Thousands of county government workers across the country are struggling after going up to three months without pay, a crisis blamed on delayed Treasury disbursements.
From mounting rent arrears to struggling to afford basic needs like food and school fees, the impact of the delayed pay has been devastating for many families.
Tana River County is among the worst affected, with many government offices left nearly empty, as most workers stay away or turn to side hustles to make ends meet.
The workers have not been paid for the third month in a row.
“My savings are gone. I can’t borrow from the bank because of loans, and even my friends are struggling,” a staff member who asked not to be named told the Daily Nation.
Another admitted she now spends part of her workday at her boutique in Garsen.
“If I sit in the office all day, I’ll go home to hungry children. My business is the only thing helping me,” she said.
Residents have also noticed the absence of services. “Even senior officials have chosen absence over frustration,” said Hola resident Omar Hamisi.
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In an internal memo, Tana River Public Service Executive Abdulahi Hanti said the delay was caused by the late approval of the 2025/2026 budget. He said salaries for July and August should be paid by September 12.
The situation is similar in Taita-Taveta, where over 3,000 workers have not been paid since July. A memo from County Secretary Friday Mwafuga said July salaries would be paid by September 10, once the Controller of Budget cleared the funds.
In Kirinyaga County, workers say they are under pressure from landlords. “Our landlords have given us until September 10 to pay or be evicted,” said one employee.
Turkana, Trans Nzoia, and Kisumu counties are also affected, with employees relying on credit and small businesses to survive.
In Narok, Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech blamed a new financial system for the delay but insisted, “The county is not deliberately withholding workers’ dues.”
However, county workers have threatened to strike. “Salary payments have not been made on time, causing real suffering,” said Joshua Ole Koisikir, Narok’s County Workers Union secretary.
Only a few counties with bank overdraft arrangements have managed to pay their staff. In many others, workers are still waiting, with no clear date on when their salaries will arrive.
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