NAIROBI, Kenya- Prepare for a major shake-up in Kenya’s counties as the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) ratifies a nationwide strike, set to commence on September 24.
The strike is expected to cripple critical services across all 47 counties, bringing operations to a standstill.
The strike comes in response to several grievances, with KCGWU Secretary General Roba Duba confirming that the union’s National Executive Committee approved the move after a September 4 notice threatening the complete shutdown of county operations.
The timing couldn’t be worse, as essential workers—including mortuary attendants, ambulance staff, firemen, and garbage collectors—are all expected to participate.
These workers form the backbone of critical county services, and their absence could lead to significant disruptions.
At the heart of the protest are allegations of salary disparities. The union is frustrated by the government’s selective implementation of a salary increase that excluded county workers.
While national public servants enjoyed a 7-10pc raise in the first phase, county employees were left out.
The situation worsened when the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved a second phase of pay increases for national workers, yet again excluding county staff.
“This unfair exclusion is unacceptable. If our demands remain unmet, all county workers will down their tools starting midnight, September 24,” Duba stated emphatically that this strike is about long-standing grievances being ignored.
But that’s not all. County workers are also protesting the failure of local governments to remit statutory deductions, including contributions to Local Authorities Provident Fund (Lapfund) and County Pension Fund (CPF), amounting to a staggering Sh60 billion.
This non-payment is leaving retirees struggling to meet their financial obligations, pushing many into poverty.
“Our retirees are suffering, with many unable to meet basic needs,” said Duba, highlighting the dire situation facing former employees.
According to the union, failure to remit these funds not only violates the workers’ rights but also compromises their futures.
As the clock ticks toward September 24, the likelihood of a complete shutdown in county operations grows. KCGWU is firm in its stance—without meeting their demands, counties will face unprecedented disruptions to essential services.
