Workers Protest Unpaid Wages at Kapsabet Affordable Housing Project, Disrupting Traffic
Affordable housing workers in Kapsabet protest three weeks of unpaid wages, blocking a major highway and calling on President Ruto to intervene.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 24, 2026
2 min read
On Monday, August 24, workers involved in the Chesumei Affordable Housing Project in Kapsabet, Nandi County, staged a protest over unpaid wages spanning three weeks. The demonstration caused significant disruption along a key highway connecting Eldoret, Kisumu, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Kericho.
Dozens of workers gathered holding placards and blocking the road with tyres and branches, halting vehicle movement in the area. The protesters claim the contractor has failed to honor their contractual wage agreement despite President William Ruto allocating Ksh27 million specifically for their salaries.
One protester expressed concern about financial hardships ahead of the new school term, stating, "It has been three weeks now, and I have not received any payment. Schools are about to open, and we are worried about how to pay fees." Another added, "President Ruto promised these jobs would benefit youths, but it's been 21 days without pay. We will not resume work until the government fulfills its commitments."
The workers have appealed directly to President Ruto for urgent intervention to ensure their wages are paid promptly. Authorities have not yet responded, and it remains unclear when normal traffic flow will resume.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has previously highlighted a Ksh400 billion funding shortfall affecting the completion of over 2,000 housing units, including workers’ wages. This financial gap continues to challenge the project's progress.
