Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is once again on the spot after the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) accused his administration of failing to honor a return-to-work agreement signed barely a month ago.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the county boss and copied to key officers, the union lamented that staff are yet to receive their July and August 2025 salaries, despite a promise that all payments would be made by the 5th of every month.
“Following a five (5) day pay parade due to perennial salary delays, on 11th August 2025 the union signed a Return to Work formula with the county management which among other things committed that salaries henceforth would be paid by 5th of every month,” the statement read in parts.
However, as of 17th September 2025, county employees say nothing has hit their bank accounts, leaving them stranded and unable to meet family and personal obligations.
The union, through Nairobi Branch Secretary Calvince Okello, said the delay has thrown workers into financial distress. Many can no longer pay school fees, rent, or even transport costs to report to duty.
“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 and there are no signs when these salaries will be paid,” the letter noted.
The letter further accused Governor Sakaja’s administration of “gross contravention of the Return to Work agreement,” calling it a betrayal of county workers who had trusted the deal struck in August.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja looking emotional durng a past event. Photo: Nation Source: Facebook.
With the situation worsening, the KCGWU directed members to drastically reduce services to the public until the county fulfills its end of the bargain.
“As the county management resolves the salaries issue as per the circular NCC/CS/GA/832 dated 9th September, 2025 the union hereby advise our 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 statement read in parts.
This move is expected to paralyze operations in Nairobi, where county workers play a key role in health services, revenue collection, and essential urban management.