Nairobi County workers directed to stay home over unpaid salaries

City Hall, which houses the offices of the Nairobi Governor. (Photo: Handout)

By Lucy Mumbi
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

The Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) said the workers’ July and August salaries have yet to be disbursed.

Nairobi City County workers have been directed to slow down their duties or remain at home until their pending salaries are credited, following repeated delays that have left staff unable to meet personal and family obligations.

In a letter dated September 17, 2025 and addressed to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) said the workers’ July and August salaries have yet to be disbursed.

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The union noted that the delays also include third-party remittances, despite a return-to-work agreement signed with county management on August 11, 2025, following a five-day pay protest.

“It’s quite unfortunate that today, September 17, Nairobi county staff are yet to receive their third-party remittances of July and August 2025 salaries, and there are no signs when the salaries will be paid. This is a gross contravention of the Return to Work agreement,” the union said.

Calvince Okello, Nairobi City Branch Secretary, explained that the delays have affected staff’s ability to commute and meet other obligations.

He added that, while the county works to resolve the matter under circular NCC/CS/GA/832 dated September 9, 2025, the union advises members “to slow down their services to the county and those unable to commute to duty to stay at home until salaries are credited to their accounts.”

The KCGWU, affiliated with the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) and Public Services International (PSI), is led by General Secretary Roba Duba, National Chairperson Mary N. Murongoro, and National Treasurer Tom Eddy Kang’ethe.

Other office bearers include Deputy General Secretary John M. Ndunda, First National Vice Chairperson Boaz O. Opivo and Assistant National Treasurer Dominic N. Musyoki.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the County Secretary, the CEC for Finance and Economic Planning and all county staff.

In a notice to staff, acting County Secretary Geofrey Akumali said the August 2025 salary delay was due to the late release of the equitable share from the National Treasury.

“This is to notify all staff that the payment of August 2025 salaries will be delayed due to the late release of the equitable share disbursement from the National Treasury,” read the notice.

Akumali assured employees that management was giving the issue “the highest priority” and actively engaging the relevant offices to ensure funds are credited immediately upon release.

He noted that the county’s financial strain had been worsened by recent leadership wrangles, while similar cash flow challenges have affected counties nationwide since July 2025, causing stalled operations and disrupted service delivery.