NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi County government workers have downed their tools again, citing persistent salary delays that have stretched into a second month.
On Thursday, September 18, employees began a go-slow following a directive by the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU), Nairobi branch.
In a memo issued by branch secretary Calvince Okello, the union advised members to slow down services or stay home until salaries and third-party remittances are paid.
Okello accused the county of breaching a return-to-work agreement signed on August 11, which committed the management to pay staff salaries by the fifth of every month. As of September 17, the workers had yet to receive their August salaries or remittances dating back to July.
“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 the salaries will be paid. This is a gross contravention of the Return-to-Work agreement,” Okello stated.
The union further noted that many workers could no longer afford transport to work and urged those unable to commute to remain at home until their pay is processed.
The county workers have previously staged dramatic protests over the salary stalemate. On August 6, employees blocked the entry and exit of senior county officials’ vehicles at City Hall, bringing operations to a standstill. The standoff, led by KCGWU Secretary General Festus Ngare and Okello, forced the county management to sign a return-to-work formula, an agreement that now lies in limbo.
Nairobi County has a history of recurring salary disputes. In 2024, workers took to the streets over delayed promotions and redesignations, with the County Public Service Board promising a schedule to resolve the matter.
As of Thursday evening, the county government had yet to issue a response to the latest go-slow.
