Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, September 18, Sakaja explained that City Hall had not received its equitable share from the national government for the past two months.
He said the delay forced his administration to rely solely on the county’s internally generated revenue, which was not enough to meet salary obligations.
“The delay happened because Nairobi has not received its equitable share for two months. We depend on both the national allocation and our own revenue, but what we raise locally cannot fully cover the salaries,” Sakaja said.
The governor revealed that he had already held discussions with Treasury officials, who assured him that the funds would be released soon.
According to Sakaja, the Treasury cited ongoing efforts to settle international debt as one of the reasons for the delay.
He further noted that Nairobi’s salary delays have never gone beyond a month, stressing that the long-term solution lies in boosting the county’s own revenue collection.
“If our local revenue surpasses what we receive from the national government, such delays will be avoided,” he added.
The Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGU) Nairobi branch has strongly criticized the county administration, accusing it of failing to honour a return-to-work deal signed on August 11, 2025.
Under that agreement, the county committed to pay salaries by the fifth of every month.
Union officials said that by mid-September, employees were yet to receive their July third-party remittances and August salaries.
Calvince Okello, the union’s Nairobi branch secretary, said the situation had left many staff unable to pay bills or meet basic needs.
“This is a gross violation of the agreement. Workers are struggling while leaders are shifting blame,” Okello stated.
The standoff has once again highlighted the broader financial struggles faced by devolved units when Treasury delays disbursements.
Workers have urged both levels of government to prioritize timely salary payments, warning that further delays could spark fresh industrial action
Under that agreement, the county committed to pay salaries by the fifth of every month.
Union officials said that by mid-September, employees were yet to receive their July third-party remittances and August salaries.
Calvince Okello, the union’s Nairobi branch secretary, said the situation had left many staff unable to pay bills or meet basic needs.
“This is a gross violation of the agreement. Workers are struggling while leaders are shifting blame,” Okello stated.
The standoff has once again highlighted the broader financial struggles faced by devolved units when Treasury delays disbursements.
Workers have urged both levels of government to prioritize timely salary payments, warning that further delays could spark fresh industrial action
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