Huge losses as workers strike over salary arrears

Laikipia, Kenya: Laikipia County Government is counting losses after hundreds of its workers downed their tools demanding payment of Sh131 million in salary arrears.

The workers, who held meetings in Nanyuki and Nyahururu towns vowed not to go back to work until the  county government pays up the arrears, which were reportedly inherited from the defunct local authorities.

Raphael Angore, the worker's union official claimed the Laikipia county government has declined to commit itself to pay the arrears.

The union deputy General Secretary said most county governments have paid arrears owed to their staff, while Laikipia county has remained adamant.

"Some county governments have paid the arrears which date back to 1993, but Laikipia county government has not moved an inch throughout our negotiations," said Angore. The government promised to start fresh negotiations with the workers.