A Nairobi-based businesswoman has stirred debate online after publicly stating that she knowingly allows her employees to take small amounts of money from her business, describing it as a deliberate management approach to reduce workplace conflict and staff turnover.
The businesswoman, identified on Facebook as Sonia Sonnie, claimed that she is aware of monthly losses of about KSh5,000 linked to employee theft but chooses not to confront it.
According to her, she has observed stock discrepancies, questionable client transactions, and unexplained financial gaps but often opts to remain silent.
She argues that confronting employees over such incidents frequently leads to resignations, internal conflict, and disruption of business operations.
In her view, tolerating what she describes as “controlled losses” is less damaging than losing staff and incurring the cost of recruiting and training new workers.
In her online post, Sonia Sonnie further suggested that allowing employees to feel they are benefiting from the business creates a sense of satisfaction and loyalty, which she believes improves productivity.
She also framed her approach as a calculated business decision, saying she factors in potential losses when setting salaries, claiming she may underpay staff while informally accepting that they will supplement their income through unauthorised means.
Her remarks have, however, raised questions about ethics in small business management, with critics warning that normalising theft could erode accountability and encourage deeper financial losses over time.
Business observers note that while employee turnover and workplace mistrust are common challenges among small enterprises in Kenya, structured payroll systems and clear accountability frameworks are typically recommended to safeguard sustainability.
Sonia Sonnie also acknowledged risks in her approach, noting that some employees may become increasingly greedy if unchecked, potentially escalating losses beyond manageable levels.
She described this as a key vulnerability in what she calls “stealing insurance,” where limits are implicitly tolerated but not formally defined.
The post has since ignited discussion among business owners and employees, with differing views on whether informal tolerance of minor misconduct can ever be justified as a retention strategy, or whether it undermines long-term business discipline.
Reactions;
Winy Nyams: Mimi the moment you even start telling a client to pay to your mpesa number I fire you on the spot.
Sarah Mwabili: You steal , I find out...one of us will be joblesss.....😂😂 Definitely it going to be you💯. Make sure I never catch you.
Carole: I believe in myself,I can't Steal,now Imagine underpaying me because of your previous encounters.
Chero Eve: I don't agree with you.Stealing is wrong and should not be condoned.There is no way a good employee and stealing can be in one sentence unless your definition of good is different.Good employees carry values integrity being one of them.
Wangechi: Stealing is stealing and i can’t torelate if i catch you unaleft aaa ati fear to hire and fire?