Bata management respond to claims of closing shop

By Peter Ochieng

Bata Shoe company Kenya management on Saturday responded to claims of closing shop in the country.

Social media posts were awash with claims of the company sacking all employees and closing shop in Kenya.

“Bata Shoe Company management in Limuru has told its employees not to report to work on Monday. The company is reportedly on the verge of closing down for maintenance,” read one of such posts.

“Bata Shoe Company management has told its employees not to report to work on Monday. The company is closing down. Multinationals are shifting from your markets, sema joblessness,” read another.

“I hope it is not true that Bata Shoe Factory has shut down. My heart would bleed like it did when Nakumatt went under,” said Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo.

In a rejoinder, the company through Benson Okumu, Managing Director denied the allegations.

“We are in business. We are on a normal annual maintenance shutdown normally provided for during the off-peak season,” Okumu said in a singed statement seen by Nairobi Review.

"All our stores are open and functional with great teams to serve you and a wide variety of shoes in ample stocks to deliver for our promise - to provide quality footwear for all," he added.

Bata Shoe Company is based in Limuru, Kiambu County. It has been operating in the country since 1939.