 are implemented.){kind=link}
NAIROBI, Kenya— County government workers have threatened to stage a nationwide strike over delays in implementing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), accusing County Public Service Boards (CPSBs) of frustrating the process by failing to seek mandatory advisories from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The County Government Workers Union-Kenya (COGWU-K) issued the warning in a statement dated Wednesday, July 22, demanding immediate action from County Executive and County Assembly Public Service Boards across all 47 counties.
The union warned that unless the boards promptly seek SRC advisories to facilitate the implementation of pending CBAs, county workers will withdraw their labour nationwide.
“Immediately apply for and seek the necessary advisories from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to finalise and execute our Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), or face a complete, nationwide withdrawal of labour,” the union said.
COGWU-K argued that county employees have endured years of wage disparities, delayed promotions and unfair treatment, particularly workers who transitioned from the former local authorities following the introduction of devolved government.
The union said prolonged delays have subjected county employees to systemic discrimination, leaving many underpaid and denied career progression opportunities.
“For years, county employees have been subjected to systemic wage discrimination, severe career stagnation, and unjust treatment, effectively reducing them to second-class public servants,” the statement read.
According to the union, the impasse stems from the failure by County Public Service Boards to obtain mandatory SRC advisories required before CBAs can be concluded and implemented.
COGWU-K accused some county boards of deliberately delaying the process, arguing that the prolonged inaction has denied workers improved salaries and employment benefits negotiated through collective bargaining.
“This crisis is no longer just an administrative delay; it is a direct result of willful negligence by County Public Service Boards that deliberately refuse to engage the SRC for required advisories, stalling the implementation of long-overdue labour agreements,” the union stated.
The workers’ union further warned that delayed salary reviews and stalled implementation of negotiated agreements have pushed many county employees into financial hardship.
It said numerous workers are struggling to meet basic household expenses, including rent, food and healthcare, despite continuing to deliver essential public services.
“A worker cannot serve the public with pride when they cannot feed their family, pay rent, or access medical care despite working every single day,” the union said.
Among the union’s demands are the immediate promotion of eligible county employees, harmonisation of salaries across counties, protection of existing employment benefits, harmonisation of allowances and incorporation of Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) into future remuneration structures.
COGWU-K acknowledged that several counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kajiado, Taita Taveta and Kisumu, have already initiated processes to seek SRC clearance and submit draft CBAs for implementation.
However, it maintained that many other county governments have yet to take similar steps, exposing workers to continued uncertainty.
The union warned that counties which fail to comply within the stipulated period risk industrial action that could disrupt services across the country’s 47 devolved units.
“Equal pay for equal work is not a request; it is a fundamental labour right. Seek the SRC advisory now, execute the CBAs, or prepare for a full withdrawal of labour,” the union said.