Employee Concerns Grow as Kenya’s Twiga Foods Implements Yet Another Round of Downsizing

Twiga Foods Ltd, a prominent player in Africa’s B2B e-commerce technology sector, is making strategic adjustments to its workforce in response to changing economic conditions. The company, known for its provision of affordable high-quality goods and services to retailers, is navigating challenges by implementing what it terms “strategic operating adjustments”, which sees new set of 283 employees affected.

In light of ongoing economic shifts and a declining purchasing power, Twiga Foods is focusing on optimizing its operations for enhanced adaptability. The company’s “strategic operating adjustments” are designed to position it for resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics.

twiga foods
twiga foods

While Twiga Foods maintains its adherence to labor laws and workforce restructuring as part of these changes, the cumulative nature of these adjustments raises curiosity. With previous investments in expansion and business development, the company’s decision to implement workforce changes seems to be part of a broader strategy to ensure its operational fitness.

read also Ghana’s Oyster Agribusiness Secures Funding to Propel Sustainable Agriculture

Twiga Foods’ approach to becoming a more streamlined and agile organization is in alignment with market trends favoring adaptability. However, it’s worth noting the potential implications of these measures on employee morale and the company’s overall workforce strategy.

The recent adjustments come on the heels of the company prior transition of trade development representatives into agents as a means of enhancing its operational model. This earlier move was seen as a prudent step to meet market demands and secure the company’s growth trajectory.

In addition to workforce adjustments, Twiga Foods is revising certain benefits and compensation structures. The reduction of staff per diems and travel reimbursements could be seen as a pragmatic response to financial considerations, although the company’s commitment to supporting its workforce remains apparent.

read also Digital Payment Service PayShap Closes in on a Million Transactions

To mitigate the impact of these changes, Twiga’s management is offering employees the option to transition into agent roles, providing an alternative path amid evolving circumstances. The implications of such transitions, including potential changes in job security and benefits, will likely be weighed by affected employees.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. 
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard