Shauri Moyo Housing Project Slows as Workers Protest Delayed Pay

Construction work at the Shauri Moyo Affordable Housing Project in Nairobi has slowed after workers reported delayed wages and shortages of building materials.

Workers at the site say they were promised weekly pay but have now gone two weeks without full payment. Some artisans have received partial wages, while others, including painters, say they have not been paid at all. Several workers said the delays have left them unable to meet basic needs such as food, rent, and transport.

Musungi Nanyakha, a site worker, said many casual labourers rely entirely on daily income. He explained that when payments are delayed, workers struggle to cover essential expenses, making it difficult to continue reporting to work.

Another artisan, George Gitu, said workers have repeatedly been told to wait for funds that have yet to arrive. He noted that windows produced by artisans have already been installed in the housing units, but payment remains outstanding. According to him, some workers have stopped coming to the site because they cannot afford transport costs.

In addition to wage concerns, the project has faced shortages of construction materials, further slowing progress. Site supervisors confirmed the shortages but said steps were being taken to address the problem.

Payment Supervisor Daniel Macharia stated that funds had been released and that all outstanding wages would be paid by Friday, 30 January. He added that procurement of materials was ongoing and described the payment delay as temporary.

However, several workers said the assurances have not eased their situation. Site supervisor Peter Mwema said his children had been sent home from secondary school due to unpaid fees. 

Labour unions have since called on the State Department for Housing to ensure timely payment for casual workers. They warned that continued delays could affect the delivery of the Affordable Housing Programme.

The concerns come shortly after President William Ruto defended housing levy deductions, saying that the funds were being managed properly and invested in projects including Shauri Moyo.