Arati assures county staff of salary payment by Monday - Kahawatungu

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Kisii Governor Simba Arati has assured county government employees that their long-awaited salaries will be released by Monday, seeking to end growing anxiety among workers over delayed payments.

Arati, speaking on Friday during a function attended by Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers and boda boda riders at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), said the Controller of Budget was expected to release funds set aside for the payment of county workers.

The governor said some employees, particularly those whose salaries are processed through Family Bank, could receive their money as early as Monday morning.

“The Controller of Budget has agreed to release the money meant for your salaries,” Arati told the gathering.

The assurance comes amid growing concern among the county’s more than 6,000 employees over delays in receiving their salaries. The affected workers have been calling for urgent intervention by the county administration, saying the delays have placed them under considerable financial strain.

Arati acknowledged that the delay had caused anxiety among staff but expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved once the funds are released.

He said his administration was aware of the difficulties facing employees and was working with relevant national government agencies to unlock the funds and facilitate payment.

The governor urged the workers to remain patient as the county government pursued the necessary approvals to ensure they receive their outstanding dues.

The salary delays have become a sensitive issue for the county administration, given the critical role county employees play in delivering essential services to residents across Kisii.

For many workers, the governor’s assurance has shifted attention to Monday, with employees now waiting to see whether the promised release of funds will bring an end to the prolonged uncertainty over their salaries.

If the funds are released as anticipated, the payments would provide relief to thousands of county workers who have been waiting for their dues amid mounting financial pressures.

Arati’s commitment also places renewed focus on the relationship between county governments and national financial oversight institutions, particularly where delays in approvals or releases affect the payment of public servants.

The governor said his administration remained committed to ensuring that county workers are paid and that the county’s operations continue without disruption.

Reporting originally appeared via Kahawa Tungu. Read the full source for additional context.