By Joshua Otieno | May 1, 2026
VIHIGA, KENYA — Leaders used the 2026 Labour Day celebrations at Chavakali Boys High School to address workers’ welfare, wage demands, and the country’s economic direction, with speeches reflecting both unity and sharp differences in approach.
Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), made a strong case for a significant wage review, calling on the government to increase the minimum wage by 23 percent.
“Increase our minimum wage to 23 percent and your government will be stable,” Atwoli said, arguing that workers’ purchasing power has been eroded by inflation.
He also warned against early political campaigns, stating, “In any country where we have political turmoil, it’s workers and children who suffer,” while urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to curb premature electioneering.
Atwoli further criticized labour market practices such as outsourcing, insisting that outsourced workers must enjoy equal terms and protections, and called for greater worker representation in the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
President William Ruto defended his administration’s economic record, highlighting progress in stabilizing the economy and creating jobs.
“Never in the history of our nation has every corner of Kenya witnessed such depth of development,” Ruto said, while announcing a 12 percent wage increase for general workers and a 15 percent rise for agricultural workers.
He also outlined key development projects in Vihiga, including a KSh 250 million modern railway station in Luanda and a KSh 300 million market in Chavakali, and noted that over 583,000 Kenyans have secured jobs abroad.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua highlighted employment gains, stating that more than 6.2 million jobs have been created across sectors.
“We are about to restart Kazi Majuu recruitment… we’ll have many jobs where people will not have to pay a cent,” Mutua said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the importance of political stability and unity, urging Kenyans to support the government’s development agenda.
“A stable labour force is good for the economic growth of a nation,” Mudavadi said, while also calling on citizens to ensure safe working conditions for Kenyans seeking opportunities in the diaspora.
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya pointed to improving economic indicators, noting that inflation has dropped significantly.
“Inflation has dropped to 4.4 percent, that’s the lowest we have had since independence,” Oparanya said, linking the progress to ongoing economic reforms.
Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo welcomed the event, describing it as historic for the county, and pledged to improve workers’ welfare locally by transitioning contract staff to permanent and pensionable terms.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula praised workers’ resilience and reaffirmed Parliament’s support for laws that protect labour rights.
The Labour Day celebrations highlighted ongoing tensions between union demands for higher wages and the government’s economic strategy, underscoring the central role of workers in Kenya’s development agenda.
