Hundreds of Machakos County employees have protested delayed August salaries, unremitted statutory deductions, and the suspension of their medical insurance cover, warning of industrial action if their grievances are not resolved within seven days.
The workers, drawn from the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), and the Machakos County Government Workers Union, marched to the county government headquarters on Tuesday to present their grievances.
They accused the county administration of subjecting employees to financial hardships by delaying salaries and failing to remit statutory and third-party deductions.
KNUNM Chairman Heshbon Mwakavi said the salary delays had left workers struggling to meet their financial obligations. “We cannot continue working while our salaries and statutory deductions remain unpaid,” Mwakavi said.
Machakos County Government Workers Union representative Ruth John said employees were demanding immediate payment of all outstanding salaries, remittance of statutory and third-party deductions, restoration of medical cover, and implementation of agreed salary adjustments under their Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
John said workers had continued reporting to duty despite the challenges but were now under increasing financial pressure. “We are calling on the county government to honour its commitments and resolve these issues within seven days to avoid an industrial action,” she warned.
The unions also demanded the release of promotion letters for health workers who have completed interviews.
Responding to the protest, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Dr. Muya Ndambuki said they were processing August salaries and assured workers that September salaries would be paid by September 30.
Ndambuki also said the medical insurance cover had been restored to full functionality and that other grievances were being addressed.
By Alex Mulili and Mary Ochieng
