Multi-talented Citizen TV presenter Kambua Mathu sparked debate after she questioned some peculiar habits of employers who she said exploited clients and job seekers.
The gospel artiste wondered why these employers frustrate individuals who offer services by asking irrelevant questions or analysing potential loopholes that can be exploited for selfish gains.
"There are these clients who already know that they don't want you, but still ask you to send a rate card, proposal and other documents just to decline - nini huwasumbua (What motive do they harbour)?" she lamented.
Some of the responses rotated around corruption by these said clients who tend to invite several applications yet they already have granted the opportunities or tenders to certain individuals.
Former Kubamba Presenter DJ Soxxy argued that he tends to be frustrated by clients who tend to ask an applicant to quote their budget only to turn it down with the intention of deciding who what to pay their preferred hire.
"They want to know how much you charge and for what works so that they can tell their chosen ones what to quote for and how much based on “your template” and market rates. They will also use it to prove later on that they selected the lowest bidder (even if the difference is a shilling)," one King Black Spider weighed in.
Another issue that was highlighted as a cause for frustration was the rate card, with netizens lamenting that the clients use the rate card to gauge the contract they would offer to an individual they will settle on.
One Kukie recommended that individuals should charge employers who tend to do such analysis to justify why they pick a particular quote and rate card.
"When I used to do social media management for different people, I would be asked how I would generate more views. Then the prospect would want specifics. I once shared but didn't get the job. A while later, I found out that they implemented the ideas I suggested. They ripped me off," Mary Wairumi, an author, lamented.
One Patrick Gitonga summarised the lamentations into three parts.
1. Rate card - used to negotiate with their preferred supplier or justify they are within budget.
2. Proposal - to steal your idea(s) or see how they can do it better or steal your presentation format.
3. Your Company - used as the perennial no.2 or 3 to comply with procurement.
With the unemployment rate in Kenya doubling to 10.4% in just three months, many youths have turned to self-employment. However, with various markets flooding with those who offer services or those who search for jobs, prospective employers have been alleged to use such opportunities to offer low wages or exploit job seekers.
On August 19, Kenyans shared how they fell for elaborate schemes disguised as legitimate job opportunities and end up being swindled. The jobs included asking applicants to pay registration fees and even promote certain online pages.
