This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
As the stalemate between the Senate and the National Assembly continues, Kenyans are bracing for tough times ahead. The Council of Governors, led by Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya, has threatened to shut down all 47 counties if the issue is not resolved by September 16, 2019.
According to Governor Oparanya, county staff should not expect any salaries beyond this date, as the stalemate has left counties struggling to pay their employees. He pleaded with the two houses to come to an agreement for the sake of Kenyans.
“Beginning September 16, if the issue will not have been resolved we will have no option but to shut down all counties. County staff should not expect any salaries. Some have not been paid for two months now,” stated Governor Oparanya.
The shutdown would affect various services provided by counties, including agriculture, health, trade development and regulation, pre-primary education, and county roads, among others.
On Wednesday, a mediation session failed to kick off after senators failed to raise quorum, indicating that there is no end in sight to the crisis. The President had previously appealed to the lawmakers to find a solution.
