Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has raised concerns over the delayed payment of salaries to Nairobi County workers, questioning how the situation could affect the delivery of essential services to residents.
Babu spoke after the Nairobi City County Government announced that the payment of July 2026 salaries had been delayed due to challenges surrounding the approval and uploading of the county budget.
In a post on his Facebook account, on 11th August 2026, the MP questioned whether the county would be able to effectively provide critical services if its workers remained unpaid.
“If Nairobi county workers can’t be paid, how will Nairobians get services?” Babu asked.
He further linked the salary delay to several services that directly affect residents, including infrastructure development, healthcare, water provision and waste management.
“How will roads be constructed?” he questioned, adding, “How will drugs be supplied in Health Facilities?”
The legislator also raised concerns over water supply and garbage collection, asking, “How will Nairobians get water?” and “How will Garbage be collected?”
Babu additionally questioned the county’s ability to provide employment opportunities and support vulnerable residents through bursary programmes.
“How will Nairobians get Jobs?” he asked. “How will our Parents get Bursary?”
His remarks come as county management appeals to staff to remain patient and continue performing their duties as efforts are made to resolve the funding challenges.
In a circular dated August 10, 2026, Nairobi County said the delay had affected the processing and release of funds but assured employees that efforts were underway to expedite the necessary procedures.
The county administration said salaries would be paid immediately after the county budget is uploaded, while promising to keep workers informed of developments.
Concluding his statement, Babu used a pointed remark to highlight the city’s garbage management challenges, saying: “For garbage to end in Nairobi, garbage must leave office.”
