More than 5,000
workers at the Narok County Government have expressed frustrations over delayed
salaries for the last three months, exposing them to financial challenges.
The workers have
threatened to stage a strike if their salaries are not released.
The county
administration has, however, pleaded with workers to be patient, attributing
the problem to a new payroll system rolled out by the national government.
Deputy Governor
Tamalinye Koech said the transition had slowed down financial operations across
the devolved unit, leading to frustrations among workers.
Koech explained that
the county, under Governor Patrick ole Ntutu, had not deliberately withheld
salaries but was caught up in challenges brought about by the system change.
“The national
government directed counties to transition to the new system, and that has caused
delays in most operations, including the payment of staff salaries,” Koech
said.
He admitted the
delays in salaries had become a major frustration to workers.
“We know it is
challenging for our hardworking workers, but we are working around the clock to
sort it out because the new system is also challenging to us,” he added.
Koech made the
remarks during the burial of Samuel Arap Kosgei at Ngiito area of Narok West
Sub-county on Thursday.
In attendance were
former Narok Senate aspirant Andrew ole Sunkuli, Narok CEC in charge of
Education and Sports Robert Simotwo, and MCAs Duncan Bore (Ilmotiok) and
Jackson Ngok (Kapsasian), among other leaders.
The deputy
governor’s remarks followed threats by county workers to go on strike over the
delayed payments.
The staff accused
the county of failing to honour previous agreements on timely remuneration,
saying the situation had caused both financial and emotional strain on their
families.
County Government
Workers Union branch secretary Joshua Ole Koisikir wrote to the county
government, saying it had pledged to ensure prompt salary disbursements,
regularize allowances and remittances, and improve transparency in
communication.
“Unfortunately,
salary payments have not been made on time, a situation that has caused
significant financial and emotional distress to members of staff,” Koisikir
stated in the letter seen by The Star.
Koech, however,
sought to reassure residents that the administration is committed to expanding
opportunities and strengthening service delivery.
He revealed that the
county had already tabled a proposal before the assembly to employ 300 new
Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers.
“We want to create
more employment opportunities for our people, especially in education. The
proposal is already before the county assembly, and once approved, it will give
us the chance to employ 300 new ECDE teachers,” Koech said.
He further
acknowledged that the county leadership had not yet fulfilled all the promises
made to residents during the campaigns, but insisted efforts are being made to
deliver on the pledges.
“We know we have not
fulfilled all the pledges we made, but we have tried, and we will ensure that
all is done,” he said.
Koech also appealed
to residents to give the current administration more time to complete ongoing
development projects.
He praised Governor
Ntutu’s record in steering Narok forward while also rallying support for
President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government, which he said was working
hard to improve the lives of Kenyans.
“We have worked hard
in all sectors, and we kindly ask for another term. The same applies to
President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza administration. He has tried to
change the lives of Kenyans and deserves another chance,” Koech remarked.
On his part, Sunkuli
urged Narok residents to rally behind the county government, saying unity and
cooperation were key to improving service delivery.
“Let’s support the
current administration so that they can bring service delivery to the people of
Narok without challenges because our main objective is that our county
continues focusing on development and uplifting livelihoods,” Sunkuli said
