Nairobi City County workers will have to wait longer for their July 2026 salaries after the county government said the funds cannot be released until its budget is approved and uploaded.
The county administration said the delay in processing the salaries was caused by the pending budget process, which has affected the availability of funds needed to pay employees.
In a circular issued on August 10, Acting County Secretary and Head of County Public Service Godfrey Akumali informed staff that the county was working to resolve the matter.
“The Nairobi City County Government wishes to inform all employees that there is a delay in the payment of July 2026 salaries, occasioned by the delay in the approval and uploading of the County Budget,” the circular stated.
The county said it understood the difficulties the delayed payments could create for employees and their families, and apologised for the inconvenience caused.
It said officials were working to speed up the remaining processes so that funds can be made available for the salary payments.
“Every effort is being made to expedite the necessary processes to facilitate the release of funds and ensure that salaries are paid immediately upon the uploading of the County Budget,” the statement said.
While the county did not state when the budget would be uploaded, it assured employees that their July salaries would be paid immediately once the process is completed.
The administration asked workers to remain patient as it worked to address the issue, while also calling on them to continue performing their duties.
The county further said it would continue providing staff with updates as progress is made towards resolving the salary delay.
“Management appreciates your patience, cooperation, and professionalism during this period and will continue to keep staff informed as further updates become available,” the circular stated.
The delay comes after concerns were raised on Monday over the failure by the county to pay its employees for July, with workers left waiting for their monthly earnings.
The matter has since attracted political attention, with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino using the salary delay to question the county administration's ability to provide essential services to Nairobi residents.
“If Nairobi county workers can’t be paid, how will Nairobians get services? How will roads be constructed? How will drugs be supplied in health facilities? How will Nairobians get water? How will garbage be collected? How will Nairobians get jobs? How will our parents get bursary?” Owino said.
The county, however, maintained that the delay was tied to the budget process and said it was taking steps to have the required funds released.