Nairobi County employees have been directed by their union to stay home and withdraw their services following prolonged salary delays that have left many without pay for weeks.
In a letter dated September 17, 2025, the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) accused the Nairobi County administration of violating a return-to-work agreement signed in August.
The deal had committed the county to ensure all salaries are paid by the 5th of every month.
However, as of mid-September, staff had not received their August salaries or July third-party remittances.
“It is quite unfortunate that today, being the 17th of September 2025, Nairobi County staff are yet to receive their July third-party remittances and August 2025 salaries, with no indication of when they will be paid,” said KCGWU Nairobi Branch Secretary Calvince Okello.
The union said the ongoing delays have made it impossible for workers to meet basic obligations such as rent, school fees, and loan repayments.
Okello added that the failure to honor the agreement has affected staff morale and ability to report to work.
The letter, addressed to Governor Johnson Sakaja, advised members who cannot afford transport to work to stay at home until the issue is resolved. It warned of potential disruption to county services if salaries are not paid soon.
“We advise our members to scale down services to the county, and those unable to commute to work due to lack of funds should remain at home until their accounts are credited,” Okello stated.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the County Secretary, the CEC for Finance and Economic Planning, and the union’s national leadership.
This marks the second salary crisis in as many months. In August, county workers staged a five-day strike over similar delays, which ended after the administration signed a return-to-work agreement on August 11.
So far, the county government has not issued an official response.
However, in a circular dated September 9, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Godfrey Akumali had informed staff that salary payments would be delayed due to the late disbursement of funds from the National Treasury.
He assured employees that the county was engaging relevant agencies to expedite the release of funds.
“We fully appreciate that timely salary payment is critical in meeting personal and family obligations. Management is treating this matter with utmost priority,” the circular read.
As the standoff continues, Nairobi residents have been advised to brace for potential interruptions to essential county services.
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