Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has addressed the delay in payment of July 2026 salaries to county employees, attributing the holdup to the transition into the new financial year.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 12, Sakaja explained that the county typically disburses salaries by the end of each month, usually from the 27th onwards. However, this month’s delay was caused by the county budget not being uploaded and approved on time.
"The budget must undergo clearance by the Controller of Budget and the National Treasury before funds can be released," the governor said, emphasizing that this procedural requirement led to the delay.
Earlier, on August 10, Nairobi County had informed employees that the processing of July salaries was affected due to the pending budget approval, raising concerns about possible disruptions to county services.
Sakaja assured staff that the county has adequate funds for salary payments and described the situation as temporary. He also acknowledged the financial strain the delay has imposed on workers and noted that even he had not yet received his salary.
"We are resolving the issue personally because it is the workers’ right," Sakaja added, urging employees to remain patient and continue performing their duties while the outstanding budget processes are completed.
The governor distinguished the current delay from past instances when county salary payments were frequently late, highlighting that recent months had seen earlier disbursements due to improved administrative arrangements.
Despite assurances, Sakaja did not specify an exact date for the release of July salaries, stating that payment will proceed once the budget is fully uploaded and approved.
