Kenyan civil servants threaten to strike over unfulfilled pay agreements
The union highlighted perceived discrimination, noting that while national government employees have seen their concerns addressed, county government employees continue to await action.
The Union of Kenya Civil Servants has announced plans for an industrial strike set to begin in 58 days, potentially disrupting key services, especially within county governments.
The union's decision stems from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission's (SRC) delay in implementing agreed-upon remuneration and benefits, nearly four months after the agreements were reached.
In a circular addressed to the SRC and the Public Service Commission (PSC), Union Secretary-General Tom Odege expressed concern over the non-implementation of directives related to county government employees.
In the letter dated January 21, 2025, he said, "It has been brought to our attention that the pay and benefits for county government employees at the executive level have not been implemented as directed by the circular in question; this is in violation of the principles of fair pay in line with the provisions of the constitution, Article 41(2)."
The letter was addressed to governors and county secretaries.
Discrimination
The union highlighted perceived discrimination, noting that while national government employees have seen their concerns addressed, county government employees continue to await action.
Odege warned that if the SRC and PSC do not implement the agreements within 60 days from January 21, 2025, the workers will have no alternative but to proceed with an industrial strike.
"In this regard, we demand the same be implemented within 60 days from the date of receipt of this letter, failure to which the contemplated action, including industrial action, shall be initiated," he added.
Previously, on September 3, 2024, the union suspended a planned strike after the government agreed to implement the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi announced that civil servants' pay would be backdated to July 1, with salary increases ranging between Sh1,000 and Sh30,000.
Additionally, the government announced increases in house allowances for workers.
"The second phase of the new basic salaries and salary scales... will be implemented for civil servants in CSG17 to CSG4 with effect from 1st July 2024,"Public Service Principal Secretary, Amos Gathecha, noted.
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