NAIROBI, Kenya — Nine Kenyan employees have filed a lawsuit against the South Sudan Embassy in Nairobi, alleging more than four years of unpaid wages totaling over $300,000, court documents show. The plaintiffs, who held various support roles at the embassy, described the payment delays as “unbearable.” The legal claims cover wages from April 2021 to June 2025.
Some employees reportedly worked at the embassy as early as 2012 but stopped receiving consistent salaries in 2016. The embassy allegedly skipped several months of pay and at times issued only partial payments, according to the lawsuit.
Other Kenyan employees at the mission chose not to join the suit, hoping the South Sudanese government would resolve the arrears through diplomatic channels.
“All of us are affected because we have families. Some of us have been here a long time and understand the situation, but the nine who sued came when salaries were paid on time. So when payments were delayed, they took legal action,” said one staff member, speaking anonymously to Radio Tamazuj due to fear of retaliation.
She called on the South Sudanese government to pay all local employees, regardless of whether they joined the legal action. “Those who sued say they should be the only ones paid because they took the initiative to go to court,” she said.
“We’ve heard the issue reached the president, and he’s upset. Some of us thought it better to raise the issue internally and seek a peaceful resolution,” she added.
Another employee voiced frustration, saying, “I’m worried we’ll never get our rights. I’ve been unhappy for a long time.”
The lawsuit comes amid broader concerns about salary delays across South Sudan’s foreign missions. The country, which gained independence in 2011, continues to struggle with economic instability, driven by internal conflict and dependence on oil exports.
In a statement Sunday, the South Sudan Embassy acknowledged the salary delays, affecting both Kenyan and South Sudanese staff. The embassy said the new head of mission met with a legal representative for the affected workers on July 3 to seek a solution.
Embassy officials expressed surprise that details of the meeting were made public so soon, citing ongoing discussions. The statement praised long-serving Kenyan employees, including those who worked with South Sudan before its independence, and pledged to resolve the matter transparently.