Workers across Kenya marked Labour Day with disappointment as union leader Francis Atwoli and President Ruto focused on political messaging over pay, tax relief and job security.
A Labour Day that was meant to spotlight workers’ struggles ended up feeling like a political rally, leaving many Kenyans unimpressed.
In Chavakali, Vihiga County, President William Ruto and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli led celebrations that, according to many observers, sidelined pressing demands for higher wages, tax relief and job security.. While millions were spent on the event, a large share of workers at home watched with frustration, describing the day as out of touch with the rising cost of living pushing families to the limit.
One of the sharpest points came as Ruto announced a 12% increase in general wages and a 15% rise in agricultural wages, alongside a healthcare arrangement described as a zero co-payment model for teachers and public officers.. Yet even within the broader announcement, workers said key answers were missing, particularly around how and when any changes would take effect.
This matters because Labour Day is usually a barometer for how seriously leaders treat everyday economic pressure, not just what is said from a stage.
As Ruto spoke in Chavakali, he framed his administration through performance narratives and development talk, while Atwoli rallied the crowd with chants for a “two-term” outcome.. The message, according to critics, quickly shifted the focus away from labour issues and into an endorsement of President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Observers also questioned the emphasis on political rhetoric, noting that the wage increment could be outweighed by taxation concerns and shrinking take-home pay.. Some workers argued that any meaningful adjustment should have come with clearer timelines and room for a higher raise, especially as inflation and fuel costs continue to strain household budgets.
In this context, the contrast with other regional celebrations became part of the story, with workers in some places described as blunt about what they see as a lack of attention to their day-to-day struggles.
Ruto, however, dismissed criticism and portrayed the economy as improving, pointing to efforts he said have stabilised the shilling and kept growth steady. He also suggested that time would vindicate his policies, while calling out what he described as noise from detractors.
At the same time, union leadership and government messaging drew fresh scrutiny from within the labour movement.. The event, which was expected to centre on workers’ rights, instead featured repeated support for the President and calls for political unity, a shift that many members said left labour grievances unresolved.
This matters because when workers believe their concerns are being traded for campaign energy, it erodes trust in institutions meant to negotiate on their behalf, even when leaders talk about progress.
Beyond the stage, other officials used the Labour Day platform to reinforce political alignment ahead of the next general election, including messages encouraging voter registration and support for the “two-term” push.. As celebrations ended, workers and union members alike remained focused on what they consider unresolved issues, from the effects of deductions to lingering uncertainty around service delivery and protection for public servants.