Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja leading a clean-up exercise in Nairobi CBD. PHOTO/FILEA petition has been filed in Milimani High Court against the Nairobi county government and other respondents seeking to have Green Army workers earn a minimum monthly salary of Sh50,000.
The petitioners, Dedan Rachuonyo and Felix Odiwour, argue that the current wages are disproportionately low compared to the demanding nature of the work carried out by the Green Army, who play a critical role in maintaining Nairobi’s cleanliness and environmental standards.
They are seeking a court order compelling the respondents to pay the workers a base salary of Sh35,000 per month, a night work allowance of Sh5,000, and Sh10,000 risk compensation for what they termed as hazardous work.
“Thus, the total recommended monthly compensation for each worker is Sh50,000 per month,” the petition reads.
The petitioners argue that the proposed salary for Green Army workers is justified by the difficult and often hazardous conditions they endure in the line of duty.
They cite the need to account for the high cost of living in Nairobi, the physical and health risks associated with handling waste and sewage, and the strenuous nature of sanitation work.
Additionally, the petition highlights the absence of specific allowances for late-night shifts, noting that many Green Army workers routinely work past midnight.
The proposed compensation package, they say, would not only recognise the essential services these workers provide but also promote their dignity, safety, and well-being.
“The petitioners pray that this Honorable Court grants an order compelling the first, second, and third respondents to provide compensation of Sh50,000 per month for each worker employed under the Green Army Project, with this amount including base salary, night work allowance, and risk compensation, backdated to January 2024,” reads the petition.
The petition also raises concern over the inadequate remuneration of Green Army workers, stating that many of them receive less than Sh17,000 per month after statutory deductions.
This, the petitioners argue, falls below the legally stipulated minimum wage and is insufficient to meet the basic cost of living in Nairobi.
“The Petitioners pray that this Honorable Court grants an order directing the respondents to review and increase the remuneration of workers in the Green Army Project to meet the minimum wage standards, taking into consideration the risks involved in their work,” it reads.
Earlier this year, the Nairobi County Government, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, expanded the Green Army's operations from the Central Business District (CBD) to residential areas.
Sakaja said the plan was to shift the focus from the CBD to neighborhoods across the city in a coordinated effort to clean up the areas and bring order in Nairobi.
He also revealed plans to employ the 3,500 Green Army members on a permanent and pensionable basis under the county government while stressing it would depend on infrastructure and systems being put in place.
“You’ve done a commendable job. Plans are in motion to ensure your employment becomes permanent and pensionable. But you also need to do your part as we do ours. Employment will be based on merit and the hard work each of you puts in,” Sakaja assured.
The Governor also established the Green Nairobi Company to institutionalise and streamline waste management and environmental services in the city.
