Frustration Boils Over as Nairobi County Workers Strike Over Two-Month Salary Delay

Frustration Boils Over as Nairobi County Workers Strike Over Two-Month Salary Delay

Chaos erupted across Nairobi on Thursday, September 18, as county government workers launched a go-slow protest over unpaid salaries. The strike, led by the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU), has paralyzed services and ignited public outrage.

Workers Left Stranded, Families Struggle

According to KCGWU Nairobi branch Secretary Calvince Okello, the county failed to honor a return-to-work agreement signed on August 11. The deal had promised salary payments by the fifth of each month.

“It’s quite unfortunate that today, being the 17th of September, 2025, Nairobi county staff are yet to receive their third-party remittances of July 2025 and August 2025 salaries,” Okello stated.

He added that many workers couldn’t afford transport to work, let alone meet basic family needs.

“There are no signs when the salaries will be paid. This is a gross contravention of the agreement,” he emphasized.

Union Orders Go-Slow, Urges Workers to Stay Home

In a memo issued Wednesday, Okello advised workers to slow down services or stay home until salaries are credited.

“As the county resolves the issue, we urge our members to stay away if they can’t commute,” the memo read.

This marks the second major standoff in just over a month. On August 6, workers blocked entry and exit points at county offices, halting operations and demanding immediate payment.

Chanting Slogans, Workers Demand Justice

Led by union leaders Festus Ngare and Okello, employees chanted slogans and refused to budge. Videos shared by Kenyans.co.ke captured the desperation and defiance of the workers.

“We’ve waited long enough. We need our money now,” shouted one protester.

The August protest led to the signing of a return-to-work formula. However, the county has since defied it, reigniting tensions.

History of Broken Promises

This isn’t the first time Nairobi County workers have taken to the streets. In 2024, they protested over salary increases and promotions. The County Public Service Board promised a resolution schedule—but workers say nothing changed.

“We were assured of promotions and redesignations. But we’re still waiting,” said a long-serving employee.

County Silent, Workers Furious

As of Thursday morning, the county government had not issued any response. Meanwhile, services remain crippled, and workers continue to demand accountability.

“We won’t stop until our salaries are paid,” Okello vowed.

ALSO READ: Nairobi MCA Resigns in Protest

Frustration Boils Over as Nairobi County Workers Strike Over Two-Month Salary Delay