Nairobi Health Workers Storm Streets Over Unpaid Salaries: “We Are Tired of Empty Promises”

Nairobi Health Workers Storm Streets Over Unpaid Salaries: “We Are Tired of Empty Promises”

A health crisis is brewing in Nairobi as furious health workers downed their tools and marched through the city demanding unpaid salaries. On Thursday, October 2, hundreds of medics took to the streets, accusing Governor Johnson Sakaja of ignoring their plight.

“We Are Tired”—Health Workers Demand Action

The protest began at Jevanjee Gardens and ended at City Hall, where workers hoped to confront Sakaja. However, he was attending a security forum in Kabete.

“We have not been paid our salaries for the last three months,” said Malindi Chao, KMPDU Secretary in Nairobi. “The county loves signing agreements with us, but does not fulfil its promises. We are tired,” she added.

The demonstrators chanted, waved placards, and blocked roads, demanding immediate payment.

“We Don’t Know Who to Blame”—Frustration Boils Over

Stephen Muthama, chair of KUCO Nairobi, expressed deep frustration with the county’s excuses.

“We are getting excuses like the Exchequer has not sent money,” he said. “We do not know what the Exchequer, the CoG, and all these guys are. We want our salaries sent on time,” he added.

Many health workers said they could no longer afford transport or basic needs.

“This Is the Second Strike”—Crisis Deepens in Nairobi

This protest follows a recent go-slow by county government workers on September 18. They also cited salary delays and broken promises.

Calvince Okello, Secretary of the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU), Nairobi branch, issued a memo urging workers to stay home.

“The county defied a return-to-work agreement signed on August 11,” Okello stated. “They committed to paying salaries by the fifth day of each month,” he added.

By September 17, most workers had not received their pay. Many struggled to meet family obligations and basic expenses.

“We Can’t Work Without Pay”—Workers Call for Urgent Intervention

The health workers vowed to continue protesting until their salaries are paid. They warned that the strike could cripple Nairobi’s health system.

“We can’t work without pay. We are not volunteers,” one nurse shouted. “Patients are suffering, and so are we,” another added.

As the crisis escalates, Nairobi residents fear a collapse in essential services.

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Nairobi Health Workers Storm Streets Over Unpaid Salaries: “We Are Tired of Empty Promises”