Hundreds of county employees on Monday staged demonstrations outside the Machakos County Assembly, where they presented a petition demanding the immediate approval of the 2026/2027 county budget that they say has left workers unpaid and essential services in limbo.
The protest, led by officials from the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and the County Government Workers Union (CGWU) brought operations at the Assembly to a standstill as workers marched with placards and chanted for lawmakers to set aside politics and pass the estimates.
Speaking to reporters, KUCO National Vice Chair Bonface Mitambo said the delay had pushed staff into financial distress.
“County workers have not received their salaries because the budget has not been approved. Many cannot afford transport to work, while others have been blacklisted by banks. We urge the County Assembly to put aside political differences and approve the budget without further delay,” added Mitambo.
Mitambo noted that the budget was expected to be approved by July 30th but remains pending. He added that late approval of the previous supplementary budget also prevented it from being processed through the Integrated Financial Management Information System, freezing access to critical funds.
KNUN Chair Heshbon Mwakavi warned that the stalemate was affecting more than salaries. He said delayed funding had disrupted procurement of medical supplies and was threatening healthcare delivery for an estimated 1.3 million residents.
“The impasse has affected both county employees and residents who rely on public services,” Mwakavi said.
CGWU Eastern Region Chair Ruth John said many workers were struggling to pay school fees and meet other financial obligations, with statutory and non-statutory deductions also in arrears due to the cash crunch.
“If the budget is not approved by Tuesday, we will take the demonstration to MCAs’ households,” John announced.
The union leaders called on the Speaker of the Machakos County Assembly and the Budget and Appropriations Committee to expedite debate and approval of the 2026/2027 budget to restore normal county operations.
The Assembly is yet to issue a formal response on when the budget will be tabled for debate.
By Mary Mutanu and Anne Kangero
