Sonko: Early retirement for Nairobi County staff over 50yrs

Nairobi County Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has announced an early retirement package for all county government workers who are above the age of 50.

“Most of our staff are over 50 years old… I have therefore approved that Nairobi City County Government and the workers union to begin discussions on rolling out voluntary early retirement exercise,” said Sonko.

“These exercises will be voluntarily and no one will be forced to retire if they still feel that they have the energy to continue being productive,” insisted the governor.

Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations in Uhuru Park, Nairobi, Sonko however observed that the exercise would be expensive but assured that they would find a way to make it successful.

Sonko also announced that Nairobi County has embarked on a recruitment exercise of staff that offer essential services that will include; 800 constables and 200 firemen, whom he said will help improve services.

The Nairobi governor was however keen to note that due to the large workforce, the over Ksh.12 billion revenue collected goes to salaries leaving nothing for development.

In line with the marking of Labour Day, Sonko emphasised the importance of all employers to ensure that workers are treated fairly, further pledging that he will continue to fight for workers’ welfare and rights.

“Good working conditions are important and vital to workers and any employer who abuses their workers will end up in court,” he added.

Sonko further put employers on notice saying that all workers should get paid for overtime they have earned urging COTU and workers unions to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves.