Nairobi:When That Girl Boina, a popular Kenyan food creator, took a vacation to Europe, she did not anticipate that an Instagram message would lead to the closure of her Waxaholic Studio. The customer message revealed irregularities in payment requests at her Nairobi-based waxing and hydrafacial parlour, prompting Boina to examine her business operations more closely.
According to Ghana Web, Boina discovered that despite initial profits, her business revenue began to decline in early 2025, which she initially attributed to seasonal slumps. However, the customer's message highlighted a deeper issue of possible employee theft. This revelation led to Boina's decision to close the studio in October 2025, after attempts to sell it failed.
The closure of Waxaholic Studio was not an isolated incident. Employee theft is a significant issue for small business owners across Africa, with many reporting similar challenges. A 2022 survey by PwC indicated that 63% of respondents in East Africa experienced economic crime, compared to 46% globally. This problem extends beyond small businesses, with major East African supermarkets like Tuskys and Nakumatt suffering substantial losses due to employee fraud, contributing to their eventual collapse.
In response to these pervasive issues, some business owners, like Cris Njoki of the Kenyan clothing brand IKOJN, have implemented stricter procurement controls to prevent further theft. Others, like Muftawu Nabila, a sports journalist and electronics shop owner in Ghana, have faced near closure due to employee theft but managed to rebuild by tightening stock management practices and relying on additional income sources.
The widespread impact of employee theft highlights the vulnerability of small businesses operating on tight margins in Africa, where the informal economy plays a significant role. The lack of financial buffers makes it crucial for businesses to adopt preventive measures and seek professional help before theft becomes unmanageable. Legal procedures must be followed when addressing theft allegations, ensuring that evidence is gathered and employees have the opportunity to respond.
For Boina, the experience has transformed her approach to hiring, emphasizing the importance of integrity among employees. The incident underscores the broader challenge of maintaining trust and accountability within small businesses in Africa.