Nairobi City County workers have been asked to scale down their duties or remain at home until their delayed salaries are paid, after months of frustration over repeated delays that have left staff struggling to meet personal and family needs.
In a letter dated September 17, 2025 and addressed to Governor Johnson Sakaja, the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) said the workers had not been paid their July and August salaries.
The union also pointed out that third-party remittances remain unsettled despite a return-to-work deal signed with county management on August 11, 2025, following a five-day pay strike.
“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 stated.
Calvince Okello, the Nairobi City Branch Secretary, said the delays had left staff unable to commute and cater for their daily responsibilities.
He added that, while the county is working to address the matter under circular NCC/CS/GA/832 dated September 9, 2025, the union had advised 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, which is affiliated with the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) and Public Services International (PSI), is headed by General Secretary Roba Duba, National Chairperson Mary N. Murongoro and National Treasurer Tom Eddy Kang’ethe.
Other leaders include Deputy General Secretary John M. Ndunda, First National Vice Chairperson Boaz O. Opivo and Assistant National Treasurer Dominic N. Musyoki.
Copies of the union’s letter were sent to the County Secretary, the County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Finance and Economic Planning, as well as all county employees.
In a separate notice to staff, acting County Secretary Geofrey Akumali said the August salary delay was caused by the late release of the equitable share by 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,” Akumali said.
He assured staff that the county leadership had given the matter “the highest priority” and was engaging relevant offices to ensure the funds are released and credited without further delay.
Akumali further noted that the financial difficulties had been compounded by leadership disputes in the county and that similar challenges had affected many counties since July, disrupting services and stalling operations.
