Siaya County links salary delays to slow budget process

Siaya County links salary delays to slow budget process
Siaya County

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 21 – Siaya County has attributed delays in the payment of July and August 2026 salaries to the prolonged approval of its 2026/27 budget.

Acting County Secretary and Head of Public Service Elizabeth Adongo said the delayed budget process had constrained the county’s financial and expenditure operations.

“We regrettably bring to the attention of all staff the delay in payment of July and August 2026 salaries,” Adongo said in a notice to county employees.

“The delay has principally arisen from the protracted completion of the FY 2026/2027 Budget process, which has constrained the full operationalization of the County’s financial and expenditure processes,” she added.

Adongo said the county expects the budget process to be completed within the next two weeks, paving the way for the necessary financial procedures and payment of outstanding salaries.

“We anticipate that the outstanding budget process will be concluded within the next fortnight, paving the way for the necessary financial processes and settlement of staff salaries,” she said.

Under Kenya’s public finance framework, county governments must approve their budgets before the Controller of Budget can authorise withdrawals from the County Revenue Fund for implementation.

The county acknowledged the impact of the delay on its employees and said payment of salaries remains an immediate priority.

“The County Government recognizes the considerable inconveniences occasioned by this delay and sincerely appreciates the patience and understanding of all staff during this period,” Adongo said.

“Payment of salaries remains an immediate priority, and the Government will move with urgency to regularize the position upon completion of the budget process. Staff will be kept informed of the progress,” she added.