A group of Dishi na County program staff have taken to the streets of Nairobi’s Central Business District on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in protests over delayed salaries.
The disgruntled workers, dressed in their official uniforms, demanded that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration address their grievances, arguing their salaries had not been paid for a month.
Carrying placards and chanting Sakaja’s name, the workers maintained a peaceful demonstration, declaring their intention to march to City Hall to seek answers from the Nairobi County government.
About Dishi na county
Launched on June 19, 2023, Dishi na County aims to encourage school attendance and improve academic performance by addressing classroom hunger.
The initiative involves constructing centralized kitchens, called Giga Kitchens, in each of Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties.
These kitchens prepare meals distributed to schools with the pupils contributing Ksh5 per meal through a tap-to-eat system.
Storm in Sakaja’s administration
The Dishi na County protests are the latest in a series of challenges facing Nairobi’s leadership over the past two weeks.
On March 4, 2025, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) dramatically stormed City Hall, protesting delayed funds for Ward Development, bursaries, and allowances.
The MCAs, led by Korogocho MCA Absalomon Odhiambo, forced their way into Governor Johnson Sakaja’s office, demanding explanations for fund delays.
“We are tired. We are going to shut down the assembly. We want to talk to the governor,” they shouted.
Odhiambo highlighted the cascading effects of these delays: “We are now forced to spend most of our time at City Hall to avoid pressure from parents who want bursaries.”
When confronted, Governor Sakaja directed the MCAs to the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o.
“What you need to know, her office is over there, so just cross and demand these funds,” he stated.
