The Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced an investigation into allegations of staff mistreatment at Taita Hills Resort and Spa, located in Taita Taveta County.
This inquiry comes in response to claims of workplace abuse, discrimination, and overall mistreatment directed at employees under the leadership of General Manager Sanjeev Kumar.
Current and former employees describe a toxic work environment, citing instances of verbal abuse, discrimination, and intimidation.
One intern reported being targeted due to her body size, claiming that Kumar made derogatory comments and attempted to end her internship based on her appearance.
When the Human Resource Manager refused to comply with Kumar’s wishes, the intern was reassigned to the front desk, where she continued to endure body shaming and was ultimately dismissed prematurely.
“In numerous instances, he made belittling remarks about my body, particularly focusing on my large breasts, stating they had ‘no place in the hospitality industry.’ These comments not only embarrassed me but also fostered a hostile and discouraging work atmosphere,” her complaint to the TRA states.
“I have also heard similar stories from others who have worked under him, some of which are even more troubling.”
The authority has noted that another former employee reported Kumar “yelling” at staff in front of guests and “almost throwing a notebook at them.”
Moreover, staff members claim that their days off and leave requests, including those for maternity and paternity, are often ignored, and those who voice concerns face “verbal abuse and retaliation.”
“Employees were reportedly instructed on what to say during board visits and threatened with repercussions if they strayed from the prepared statements,” the tourism regulator revealed.
Kumar is also accused of obstructing a former employee’s efforts to secure a position at a nearby lodge.
“After making calls and issuing threats, the employee was compelled to resign from the new job and return to Taita Hills Resort,” the authority stated.
The hotel, which promotes itself on its website as “Africa’s best-kept secret,” is facing serious allegations of racial discrimination in its hiring practices and treatment of staff.
According to a former employee, Kumar allegedly expressed a preference against working with Black employees, opting instead to replace front office personnel with those of lighter skin tones, as reported by TRA.
The regulatory body has received testimonies indicating that Kumar reacted violently, including an incident where he reportedly smashed a fruit bowl and verbally attacked a pastry chef.
Furthermore, it is claimed that the manager pressured the CCTV operator to erase footage of these incidents, subsequently orchestrating the dismissal of those involved.
Footage provided to a local media outlet, appears to depict an Indian man confronting an African male employee in what looks like a kitchen, where he aggressively knocks utensils and food onto the floor.
TRA has brought these allegations to the attention of the resort’s management, demanding a response within five days. The authority has warned that failure to address these claims could result in the suspension of the resort’s tourism license.
