The current state of the economy seems to have hit retailers the hardest.
Just a few days after Nakumatt Supermarket closed three of its branches and its stock at Thika Road Mall impounded by the building's management over rent arrears, another retailer has found itself in a tight situation.
The staff at Uchumi Supermarkets on Tuesday morning downed their tools and took to the streets to protest delays in their salaries for the last three months.
Workers from across several branches demanded to be addressed by the Uchumi Chief Executive Officer, Julius Kipngetich on when they can expect money in their accounts.
Among the branches that took part in the strike are Aga-Khan Walk outlet and the Karatina Branch as well as in Eldoret and Mombasa.
A representative from the Uchumi Workers Union George Oyugi, who addressed a section of the press, disclosed that the management had refused to hold talks with the union.
"We have not been paid for two months. Our May and June salaries have not reflected in our accounts yet the management has remained mum," he said.
Members of the senior management team moved in to serve the customers who visited the affected outlets.
Despite the government bailing out the retailer, its troubles seem to be getting worse.
A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke across Uchumi's various outlets revealed empty shelves. An employee of the retailer disclosed that things have been rough at Uchumi with employees going without salaries.
She acknowledged being aware of plans for a countrywide strike but did not know when it would take place.
In 2016, the troubled retailer found itself in court after a section of employees sued the management for condoning the harassment of staff by their bosses.
Kenyans.co.ke contacted Uchumi's communications department for a clarification on the state of affairs at the retailer but was directed to a member of the marketing team who was held up in a meeting to salvage the situation.
Through its communications department, Uchumi supermarkets told us that the retail giant was operational despite media reports of striking workers.
Below are the photos of how the strike unfolded across the country.
[caption caption="Uchumi supermarket workers take to the streets"]
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[caption caption="Uchumi supermarket Eldoret branch closed as the workers' strike went on"]
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[caption caption="Uchumi supermarket staff down their tools"]
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[caption caption="Uchumi Supermarket workers in Mombasa in protests"]
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