Sakaja Blames Treasury for Nairobi Salary Delays as Workers Protest

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-18 21:00 EAT. Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended his administration over delayed salaries for county workers, blaming the National Treasury’s failure to release funds for two consecutive months.

The Latest

• Sakaja told Radio Jambo that Nairobi has been using own-source revenue to pay workers after Treasury failed to remit the county’s equitable share.

• He admitted the approach is unsustainable but said Treasury officials had assured him funds would be released soon.

• “The salary delays in Nairobi have never surpassed one month,” Sakaja said, urging staff to be patient.

Context in Brief

• Nairobi County relies heavily on national transfers for salaries and services.

• The Kenya County Government Workers Union signed a return-to-work deal on August 11 requiring salaries be paid by the 5th of every month

• Union officials accuse the county of breaching the agreement, saying staff have missed July and August remittances, affecting loan repayments and daily living costs.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi Governor:

  “The problem is Treasury delays. We are using own revenue, but it is not sustainable.” (Radio Jambo, 2025-09-18)

• Kenya County Government Workers Union:

  “This violates the August 11 agreement and leaves workers unable to meet financial obligations.” (Press Statement, 2025-09-17)

• Treasury Officials: Have not publicly responded but reportedly assured Sakaja of imminent disbursements

Evidence & Data

• July–August salaries: Delayed beyond the agreed deadline.

• Equitable share: Counties receive Ksh 385 billion annually under revenue-sharing formulae (Commission on Revenue Allocation data).

• Nairobi payroll: The county is Kenya’s largest devolved unit, employing thousands across sectors.

Risks and Implications

• Labour unrest: Prolonged delays could trigger strikes and disrupt county services.

• Public confidence: Revenue-sharing disputes deepen tensions between national and county governments.

• Financial planning: Counties reliant on national transfers face mounting fiscal pressure amid rising costs.

What We Don’t Know

• When Treasury will actually release the funds.

• Whether counties will seek legal remedies for delayed disbursements.

• If the Council of Governors will escalate the matter nationally.

Timeline

• 2025-08-11: Return-to-work agreement signed with union.

• 2025-09-17: Workers protest July–August salary delays.

• 2025-09-18: Sakaja blames Treasury on Radio Jambo.

What to Watch

• Treasury response to delayed disbursements.

• Possible industrial action by county workers.

• Council of Governors’ next steps on revenue-sharing disputes.