A threatened nationwide strike by county government workers could have far-reaching consequences for millions of Kenyans who depend on county services every day.
The County Government Workers Union-Kenya (COGWU-K) has warned that its members will withdraw their labour unless County Public Service Boards move quickly to seek the necessary advisories from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and conclude long-pending Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
While the dispute centres on salaries, promotions and working conditions, the biggest impact would be felt by residents who rely on counties for healthcare, education, sanitation, licensing and other essential services.
Public health facilities could face disruption
County governments manage public hospitals, health centres and dispensaries.
If healthcare workers join the strike, patients seeking treatment in county facilities could experience cancelled appointments, longer waiting times and reduced services. Maternal healthcare, outpatient clinics, immunisation programmes and management of chronic illnesses could also be affected.
Emergency services may continue in some facilities, but non-emergency care is likely to slow significantly depending on the level of participation in the industrial action.
Revenue collection could decline
Counties depend on locally generated revenue to fund development projects and daily operations.
A strike involving revenue officers could interrupt the collection of parking fees, market charges, business permits, land rates and other county levies.
Reduced collections would put pressure on county budgets and could delay payments to suppliers, contractors and service providers3. Early childhood education may be interrupted
County governments are responsible for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), including employing teachers and supporting learning centres.
If ECDE teachers participate in the strike, many public pre-primary schools may suspend learning, forcing parents to make alternative childcare arrangements or keep children at home until services resume.
Waste collection may slow
Refuse collection is one of the most visible county services.
If sanitation workers down their tools, rubbish could accumulate in residential estates, markets and trading centres within days.
Besides creating an unpleasant environment, uncollected waste can increase the risk of disease outbreaks, block drainage systems and attract pests.
Enforcement services could be affected
County enforcement officers help regulate trading activities, enforce by-laws and oversee compliance in public spaces.
A prolonged strike could reduce inspections, slow enforcement operations and affect the management of markets, public spaces and street trading.
While this may temporarily ease pressure on some traders, it could also lead to reduced compliance with county regulations.
Business licences and permits may be delayed
Businesses regularly depend on county offices for licences, permits and approvals.
If administrative staff stop working, processing applications for business permits, construction approvals, liquor licences and other county services could slow considerably.
The delays may affect entrepreneurs planning to open new businesses or expand existing ones.
Why are county workers threatening to strike?The union says many county employees have spent years waiting for the implementation of negotiated CBAs, salary harmonisation and promotions.
According to COGWU, workers employed by the former local authorities before devolution have been particularly affected by delayed career progression and pay disparities.
The union argues that County Public Service Boards have been slow to seek the SRC advisories required before the agreements can be finalised.
Some counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kajiado, Taita Taveta and Kisumu, have already started the process of seeking SRC clearance, but the union says many others are yet to act.
What happens next?
If no agreement is reached, residents are likely to bear the greatest burden as services they rely on daily face disruption across the country’s 47 counties
