This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
As the country battles the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 20,000 employees of water companies nationwide are staring at a financial crisis due to delayed salaries and revenue losses.
The Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) has appealed to the national government for financial aid to help water companies pay their workers and stay afloat.
According to KCGWU General Secretary Roba Duba, the water firms have been operating on a shoestring budget since the government's directive not to disconnect water supply to non-paying customers.
Mr. Duba explained that the directive has led to huge revenue losses in most of the companies, resulting in delays in payment of salaries and wages to their staff.
"This financial crisis has led to delays in payment of salaries for water companies' employees, coupled with the lack of recognition and motivation of workers generally at this crucial moment of the pandemic," Mr. Duba said in a letter to Water Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki.
He appealed to the government to provide financial support to enable water companies to pay their workers on time, purchase personal protective equipment, and maintain operations.
