Hundreds of workers under Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Dishi Na County program staged a protest outside City Hall today, demanding payment of their delayed salaries and an end to what they termed as unfair deductions.
The demonstration disrupted operations in the area as workers voiced their frustrations over financial struggles.
Clad in their work uniforms, the protesters held placards reading “Pay Us Now!” and “No More Deductions!”
Many said they had gone for months without full pay, making it difficult to meet their basic needs such as rent, food, and school fees.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja speaking during a past event. Photo: Sakaja Source: Facebook
“We cook for Nairobi’s schoolchildren, but who is feeding us?” asked Mary Wanjiku, a kitchen staff member who claimed her salary has been inconsistent since January.
Other workers, including drivers and suppliers, echoed similar concerns, accusing the county government of neglect and mismanagement.
“We were promised timely payments, but all we get are excuses,” said James Otieno, a driver with the program.
The Dishi Na County program, which provides subsidized meals to public school students, has been praised as one of Sakaja’s key projects.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during Dishi Na County event. Photo: Nation Source: Facebook
However, today’s protest exposed cracks in its implementation, with workers raising concerns over delayed payments and alleged salary deductions.
A spokesperson for the Nairobi County Government acknowledged the delays, blaming them on “technical challenges” in disbursing funds.
“We are working tirelessly to resolve this and ensure all workers are paid by next week,” the spokesperson assured.
Despite the promise, the protesters dismissed the response as an empty pledge.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a past meeting. Photo: Citizen TV Kenya Source: X
They vowed to continue demonstrations until their dues are settled in full. “We are tired of waiting. If we don’t get paid, we will not work,” one protester warned.
The protest comes amid financial struggles in various county governments, with many employees facing delays due to funding issues from the National Treasury.
For Nairobi’s ‘Dishi Na County’ workers, the fight is not just about salaries but also about dignity and fairness in the workplace.
