A standoff has ensued at City Hall after Nairobi county workers on Tuesday went on a go-slow over poor working conditions.
Services have been grounded at City Hall as a section of staff refused to report to their work stations and assembled outside City Hall Annexe.
On Tuesday morning, the VIP entrance along City Hall Way which is used by the Governor and other high profile public figures was locked from the outside using a chain and padlock.
The other entrance which comprises of the executive wing and City Hall Annexe were not spared, as the gates were also locked.
The Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) had earlier raised concerns over non-functional lifts and poor working conditions at City Hall.
In a letter dated February 10, the union’s Deputy secretaries Augustine and Calvince Okello highlighted that the poor working conditions have not only affected workers but also people visiting for services.
The union argued that as a result of the ‘unwanted’ conditions, the staff are demotivated and productivity has also been affected.
“This not only reduces productivity trends amongst individual employees but also contravenes the provisions of the Labour Relations Act of 2007, occupational safety and Health Act of 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement of 2013 on good and acceptable labour practices,” reads the letter in part.
The letter was addressed to County Secretary and the County Public Service Board.
The union called upon the county government to intervene and initiate an immediate solution.
“It is our humble appeal to your office that you initiate an immediate solution to aid our workers and clients especially those with physical challenges from persistent suffering and unnecessary inconveniences."
Consequently, the union had given the Governor Ann Kananu-led administration seven days to address the issues, failure to which, an industrial actions would proceed.
