Nyeri council workers on strike over pay

By Mose Sammy

Nyeri, Kenya: Services were paralysed at the Nyeri Municipal Council after workers went on strike demanding salary arrears amounting to more than Sh90 million.

The more than 260 council workers were demanding to be paid their six months’ salary arrears before resuming their duties.

They demanded to be paid their salary arrears dating back to September last year.

Led by their civic leader Mr Duncan Ndung'u, the employees also demanded immediate transfer of the Transitional Authority Financial Controller, whom they accused of derailing payment of the dues.

They also demanded issuance of working uniforms- especially to workers who collect refuse and those in the sewage department.

Ndung’u claimed there were Sh300 million belonging to the defunct local authority, which were lying idle in banks.

“We cannot continue being subjected to unwarranted suffering while the council has more than Sh300 million lying in the accounts, which were inherited from the previous council,” he said.

There are a further Sh15 million in the Local Authority Transfer Fund (Latf) and other funds that they collect on its behalf and still they cannot manage to pay us,” said Ndung’u.

Despite reporting to work as usual, the employees camped outside the Nyeri County Governor’s offices and vowed to stay put until their demands are addressed.

“It is the high time the council management appreciated, respected and recognised our contribution,” said Ndung’u.

Ndung’u said that they would only return to work if a favourable and conclusive return to work formulae is initiated to chat the way forward is arrived at to avert the current stand-off.

Alice Wachira a worker, complained that they are unable to take their children back to school due to lack of school fees.

“Our children are at home, while the local authority is still holding our money. We are demanding our right and we will not be cowed,” said Wachira.

Efforts to get comment a comment from Governor, Nderitu Gachagua and other senior officials at the institution were in vain.

Neither Gachagua nor the officials picked telephone calls made by The Standard.