This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Kenya: Workers Go On Strike As Cash Crisis Hits 20 Counties ¶
Published on August 13, 2019
At least 20 counties in Kenya are facing a monumental public service crisis as staff embark on a go-slow to demand payment of their July salaries. The standoff between the National Assembly and the Senate over the Division of Revenue Bill has left counties without funds to pay their workers.
The Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) has vowed to disrupt normal operations by staging pay parades and go-slows until their dues are fully paid. The union has issued a seven-day strike notice, and by Sunday, only 23 counties had taken heed and paid salaries.
The counties that have paid their workers include Nairobi, Migori, Makueni, Trans-Nzoia, Kakamega, Kisii, Wajir, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Lamu, Kwale, and Tana River. Others are Garissa, Mandera, Kajiado, Turkana, Nandi, Bomet, Vihiga, Narok, Mombasa, Siaya, and Kiambu.
Those that have pledged to pay salaries today are Kilifi, Busia, and Kirinyaga. The union is in discussions with Uasin Gishu over the same.
Counties that have not paid their workers include Kitui, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Bungoma, Nakuru, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Siaya, Tharaka-Nithi, Isiolo, and Marsabit. Others are West Pokot, Kisumu, Baringo, Samburu, Kericho, Homa Bay, Nyeri, Murang'a, Laikipia, and Taita-Taveta.
"These counties have not paid and have not shown any indication of an intention to pay. They are rogue and from Wednesday there is going to be a total paralysis of services rendered by our members there," said the union secretary-general Roba Duba.
Joining KCGWU in solidarity were the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Union of Kenya Civil Servants, and the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN). Clinical officers and laboratory technologists also threatened to withdraw their services in unity with the four giant unions.
"We have a huge deficit in our budget and the workers risk going without salaries," said Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos.
"If this is allowed to happen, our people will die," said Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo.
Reporting by Collins Omulo, Benson Amadala, Victor Raballa, Dickens Wasonga, Derick Luvega, Justus Ochieng', George Odiwuor, Benson Ayienda, Josiah Odanga, David Muchui, Gitonga Marete, Alex Njeru, Jacob Walter, Waweru Wairimu, Barnabas Bii, Florah Koech, Evans Kipkura, Tom Matoke, Gerald Bwisa, Dennis Lubanga, Oscar Kakai, Kalume Kazungu, and Maureen Ongala.
