Narok County defends salary delays, blames National Government System Transition

By Nicholas Rono

 

The Narok County Government has moved to defend itself over the delayed payment of staff salaries, attributing the problem to a new payroll system rolled out by the national government.

 

The county leadership says the transition has slowed down financial operations across the devolved unit, leading to frustrations among workers.

 

Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech said the administration under Governor Patrick ole Ntutu has not deliberately withheld salaries, but has instead been caught up in challenges brought about by the system change.

 

 

“The national government told counties to transit to the new system and that has caused the delay in most operations, including the payment of staff salaries,” Koech explained. “We know it is challenging to our hardworking workers, but we are working around the clock to sort it out because the new system is also challenging to us,” said Koech.

 

He made the remarks during the burial of Samuel Arap Kosgei at Ngiito area of Narok West sub county on Thursday.

 

In attendance were former Narok Senate aspirant Andrew ole Sunkuli, Narok CEC in charge of Education and Sports Robert Simotwo, MCAs Duncan Bore (Ilmotiok), Jackson Ngok (Kapsasian) among other leaders.

 

 

The deputy governor’s remarks follow threats by county workers to go on strike over the delayed payments. Last week, staff accused the county of failing to honor previous agreements on timely remuneration, saying the situation had caused both financial and emotional strain to their families.

 

County Government Workers Union branch secretary, Joshua Ole Koisikir, reminded the administration that it had pledged to ensure prompt salary disbursements, regularize allowances and remittances, and improve transparency in communication.

 

He lamented that none of these commitments had been fulfilled.
“Unfortunately, salary payments have not been made on time, a situation that has caused significant financial and emotional distress to members of staff,” said Koisikir.

 

Even as he appealed for patience, Deputy Governor Koech sought to reassure residents that the administration is committed to expanding opportunities and strengthening service delivery.

 

He revealed that the county has already tabled a proposal before the assembly to employ 300 new Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers.

 

“We want to create more employment opportunities for our people, especially in education. The proposal is already before the county assembly and once approved, it will give us the chance to employ 300 new ECDE teachers,” Koech stated.

 

 

He further acknowledged that the county leadership has not yet fulfilled all the promises made to residents during the campaigns, but insisted that efforts are being made to deliver on the pledges.

 

“We know we have not fulfilled all the pledges we made, but we have tried, and we will ensure that all is done,” he said.
Koech also used the opportunity to appeal to residents to give the current administration more time to complete ongoing development projects.

 

He praised Governor Ntutu’s record in steering Narok forward, while also rallying support for President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government, which he said was working hard to improve the lives of Kenyans.

 

“We have worked hard in all sectors, and we kindly ask for another term. The same applies to President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza administration. He has tried to change the lives of Kenyans and deserves another chance.”

 

On his part, Sunkuli urged Narok residents to rally behind the county government, saying unity and cooperation were key to improving service delivery.

 

“Let’s support the current administration so that they can bring service delivery to the people of Narok without any challenges because our main objective is that our county continues focusing on development and uplifting livelihoods,” Sunkuli said.