Nyandarua County employees on Monday, March 25, failed to report to their duties after the county government cut their salaries.
According to the civil servants, the salaries were deducted based on what the county termed as misconduct.
Speaking at the Olkalau sports ground where the workers were gathered, their representatives claimed that the cut was unfair, as they were working in toxic environments.
“As Nyandarua county workers, we are gathered here today with one complaint. The workers have been deducted money from their usual salaries,” the representative explained.
The workers further accused the county government of issuing threats to those complaining of the hardships experienced within the offices.
According to the county representative, the workers were issued letters highlighting different misconducts that resulted in the deductions from their salaries.
“We have only issued an explanation letter, with a simple question. You were supposed to work these number of hours, but you worked less,” he explained.
“Explain why you want to be paid for the hours you did not work.”
Consequently, normal county activities have been stalled due to disagreements between the county officials and the workers.
According to the workers, they are working conditions are poor and unhealthy. Efforts to bring up the complaints are received with threats.
In related matters, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has tightened the noose on civil servants with fake certificates, with those caught in the crack-down instructed to refund earned salaries and benefits accrued during the period they worked.
The Public Service Chairperson Anthony Muchiri in February revealed that civil servants with fake certificates were resigning from their positions to avoid legal battles.
"Such persons shall not be entitled to any form of benefit, including pension, unpaid allowances, and accrued leave," Muchiri noted.
