City Hall workers threaten to down tools over salary delays

Nairobi County workers have vowed to go on strike over City Hall's refusal to pay their salaries on time.

The more than 13,000 workers also cite forced retirement of staff, harassment, and intimidation by senior staff as another basis for the strike.

Kenya County Government Workers Union Nairobi Secretary Calvince Okello in a letter expressed deep frustration over the ongoing delays in salary payments by the Governor Johnson Sakaja-led administration, which they argue violates the law.

Despite an initial period of on-time salary disbursements early in the administration's tenure, recent months have seen a pattern of recurring delays, much to the dismay of the workers.

"As representatives of the County Government employees, we are deeply concerned about the consistent delays in salary payments," reads the letter dated April 11, 2024.

"While initially salaries were paid punctually, this has unfortunately not been the case recently, with delays becoming increasingly common," reads the letter.

The letter was addressed to the governor, CEC for finance and the county secretary.

Okello noted that as of April 11, 2024, Nairobi county staff members were yet to receive their March salaries, despite assurances from the government that payments were made on the 28th of the previous month.

According to the workers' union, the delay has placed significant strain on the employees, as they struggle to meet financial obligations such as rent and bills, leading to tensions with landlords and creditors.

"Effective immediately, we are instructing all members of the Union that if salaries are not disbursed by the 15th of each month, they are not to report for duty or perform any County-related tasks," the letter reads, offering a solution to the ongoing salary delays.

In addition, the union urged the county government to take immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure that salaries are paid promptly.

"Our members deserve to be compensated for their hard work and dedication, and we will not hesitate to take further action if necessary to protect their rights and interests," Okello said.