Ruaraka Protests: Over 500 Community Workers Demand Unpaid Salaries Amid USAID Freeze
Nairobi, Kenya – Tensions ran high in Ruaraka’s Baba Dogo area as over 500 community workers took to the streets on Friday, demanding their unpaid salaries following the abrupt suspension of donor-funded projects. The affected workers, employed under the Redeemed Integrated Development Agency (RIDA) and implementing projects for World Vision, claim they have not received their dues for December 2024 and January 2025.
The crisis stems from the U.S. government’s recent decision to freeze USAID funding to Africa, a move that has left numerous community-driven initiatives struggling. RIDA, which heavily relied on USAID support, was forced to suspend all project activities on January 27, as per a memo from World Vision, the overseeing agency.
Broken Promises and Growing Frustration
Armed with placards and chanting slogans, the workers accused RIDA’s management of taking them in circles whenever they sought their rightful payments. Despite a meeting where they were assured their salaries would be paid, no payments have materialized.
“Tulipata habari kwamba Trump anasimamisha mradi. We were called for a meeting and were promised we would be paid,” lamented Mary Adhiambo, one of the affected workers.
The January 27 memo from World Vision instructed that only expenses incurred up to January 24 would be reimbursed. However, the workers insist they continued working until the end of January without any compensation.
Hundreds Left in Financial Limbo
Among those affected are 400 mentors, 390 facilitators, and 67 permanent staff, many of whom depended on a modest monthly stipend of Ksh.10,000 to sustain their families. For single mothers like Mary, the funding freeze is devastating.
“I’m a single mother, na hiyo pesa inanisaidia kulipa school fees,” she said, her voice filled with frustration.
Others, like Linus Agweli, believe that RIDA still has the funds but is deliberately withholding them. “Nina uhakika pesa iko. Tumefanya kazi hadi wa leo. Order za Trump zinasema tulipwe hadi 24th,” he stated.
RIDA Denies Withholding Salaries
RIDA’s management has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they are simply following directives from World Vision. RIDA board chairman, Rev. Gideon Nzioki, assured workers that funds are available but cannot be processed until further notice.
“We understand the frustration, but our hands are tied. Until USAID lifts the freeze, we cannot process any payments,” he explained.
Despite these reassurances, the affected workers remain skeptical. Having endured weeks of uncertainty, many are unwilling to wait out the 90-day suspension, fearing they may never receive their dues.
Uncertain Future
As the standoff continues, the fate of hundreds of community workers hangs in the balance. With bills piling up and livelihoods at stake, the workers are left clinging to hope, demanding urgent intervention to resolve the crisis.
In other news:Sudan Bans Importation of Kenyan Products Over RSF Allegations
Ruaraka Protests: Over 500 Community Workers Demand Unpaid Salaries Amid USAID Freeze