Over 80 employees at six Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) radio stations are threatening to strike over unpaid salaries dating back to October 2018. The staff, who have worked as casuals for 8-10 years, allege the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has failed to remit wages for five months, citing irregularities in station staffing.
The dispute involves six FM stations: Kwale Ranet FM, Bulala Ranet FM in Budalang’i-Busia, Garbatulla Ranet FM in Isiolo, Suswa Ranet FM in Narok, Kangema Ranet in Muranga, and Nganyi Ranet FM in Luanda-Vihiga. Workers claim directors in the meteorological department have long concealed embezzlement of government funds meant for station improvements, while some inflated staff numbers to siphon salaries.
Despite repeated appeals to Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko, no official communication or resolution has been received. The employees argue the ministry has neglected its duty by withholding pay without conducting a staff head count, which remains unaddressed. They now demand immediate action or face industrial action to shut down operations, disrupting weather and community information services.
