Bata denies claims it is shutting down Kenya operations

Bata Shoe Company in Limuru. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Bata shoe manufacturing company has clarified that it is still in business, following reports that the firm is shutting down operations in Kenya.

In a statement on Saturday, June 10, Managing Director Benson Okumu, setting the record straight said that the company is undergoing an annual maintenance and not completely closing as widely speculated.

"We are on a normal annual maintenance shutdown, normally provided for during the off-peak season. All our stores are open and functional with great teams to serve you," said Okumu.

On Saturday, reports emerged on social media that Bata Shoe company management has asked its employees not to report to work on Monday next week since they are shutting down, claims that the company now says are untrue.

On one such post on the shoe company's official Facebook page, a user Karanja David asked if the company is shutting down. In response, another user, Ryan Paulo claimed: "Yes, workers have been asked not to report on Monday."

The company, located in Limuru, Kiambu County has been operational since 1939.