Kisumu civil servants reject contract plan, demand 3-year salary arrears
By Viola Kosome, March 4, 2026Members of the Kenya Civil Servants Union, Kisumu branch, have opposed proposals to transition civil servants from permanent and pensionable terms to contractual employment.
Speaking after successful branch elections held on Tuesday, March 3, Branch Secretary Evans Meda said the newly elected officials will serve for a five-year term and expressed optimism for a smooth leadership transition.
Meda said the union had identified three key issues affecting members, top among them recent remarks by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku regarding plans to shift civil servants to contract terms.
“We want the minister to clearly state his position on this issue. All civil servants were employed on permanent and pensionable terms, and it is difficult to change employees’ terms and conditions midway without proper justification,” Meda said.
He noted that while some officers in Job Group P and above are already serving on renewable contracts, the CS must clarify which cadres, if any, would be affected by the proposed transition.
On county matters, the union raised concerns over delayed salary arrears for devolved staff in Kisumu County.
Meda said that although members were awarded annual salary increments, the county government has failed to pay arrears dating back nearly three years.
He explained that in the most recent payslip, employees only received a one-month increment, despite outstanding arrears covering approximately 23 months.
“We kindly ask the Kisumu County Government to ensure that next month all civil servants receive the arrears from both the first and second instalments,” he said.
The union also urged the county to implement the third phase of salary adjustments announced nationally and awarded by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), noting that several counties have already complied.
“We appeal to the governor and his entire team to ensure civil servants receive their rightful dues and are at par with others across the country,” Meda added.
Newly elected Chairperson Calvins Giriago said the union is aware that Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had released funds to county governments for wages.
Delayed payment
He questioned why some counties delay paying workers despite receiving disbursements.
“It is not humane for employees to work without timely pay. Workers plan their budgets as parents and providers, and delays make it difficult even to meet basic transport needs,” Giriago said.
He urged governors yet to comply to settle workers’ dues to ensure continuity in service delivery.
Giriago also cited concerns over staff stagnation, work-related disability issues, and the handling of the Social Health Authority (SHA) matters affecting members
He called on Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to intervene and ensure health considerations are prioritised.
The Kisumu branch elected the following officials as their leaders;Calvins Giriago (Chairperson), Michael Opiyo (Assistant Chairperson), Ishmael Karan (Youth Leader), Peter Oluoch (Treasurer), Evans Meda (Branch Secretary), Martin Orwa (Assistant Secretary), Sarah Okeke (Assistant Treasurer), and Judith Obure (Women Leader).