Kisii affordable housing workers hold protests over salary delays

More than 200 agitated workers paralysed transport along the Ogembo-Ikoba roads, chanting anti-government slogans over incessant promises from officers in charge whenever they ask for arrears.

They said they will not return to the construction site, which is at 44 percent complete, saying they are unable to cope as some have had their houses closed due to rent arrears.

Anti-riot police were called in to quell the situation.

An officer in charge of Ogembo affordable houses site, on condition of anonymity, said they are unable to operate normally until money hits the workers’ accounts.

"Mr President, ulisema tarehe 12 unakuja Ogembo. Unakuja aje Ogembo na bado pesa zetu hatujalipwa? Tumemaliza mwezi mzima bila malipo," said one of the workers.

"Inakuwaje Mr President anatoa pesa ya kutuletea askari watupige na pesa ya kutulipa imekosa?" posed another worker.

Similar concerns are also reported to have hit Masimba affordable houses under construction, as workers also claim unpaid wages.