Nairobi County workers down their tools and begin strike over delayed pay rise

Tough times for Sonko as County workers down their tools

Mumbi Mutuko

February 12, 2019 12:29 PM

Worker boycott City Hall

Nairobi County workers go on strike

Nairobi County Government workers have downed their tools demanding the implementation of a 15% pay rise that was part of the 2017 Collective Bargain Agreement.

The strike that kicked off on Tuesday saw more than 15,000 City Hall workers go on strike today as the dispute escalated over the delayed salary increments.

County workers protest Pulse Live Kenya

On Monday, the Kenya County Government Workers Union - Nairobi Branch announced the strike which will paralyse services in the capital.

CBA

Last December, the county had agreed to increase salaries for all its workers under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in January but has since dragged feet in the move.

“It is our well-considered view that your office has not accorded the implementation of the new CBA the seriousness," a letter stated.

"Take further notice that the workers parade shall only be called off after full implementation of the new CBA,” part of the letter added.

Under the terms of the agreement, the pay rise was to take effect in 2017/2018 financial year.

Revenue

However, the CBA was not implemented although the county set aside Ksh800 million to cater for the agreement.

In January, the KCGWU wrote to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to compel City Hall to update the salary increment.

Nairobi County workers strike Pulse Live Kenya

At Sh100 million, the CBA is set to pile pressure on Nairobi County’s already under-performing revenue collection.

City Hall raised Sh10.2 billion in the year to June against a target of Sh17.2 billion highlighting its pressure to deliver quality services like health to city residents.

Mumbi Mutuko