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Most Kenyans snub Labour Day fete saying there’s nothing to celebrate
Men walk along the streets of Elburgon in Nakuru County carrying farm tools from a farm on May 01, 2025. It was business as usual in Elburgon and its environs as Kenyans marked Labour Day.
Kenyans in most parts of the country yesterday gave the Labour Day celebrations a wide berth, saying they had nothing to celebrate.
There were no public functions in most counties, with the devolved units failing to mobilise residents to mark the occasion.
In Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties, residents carried on with their daily routines, ignoring the day entirely.
“We’re disillusioned by the high cost of living and the lack of jobs for our children,” said John Kariuki, a Nyeri resident.
In Murang’a County, apathy was even more evident as residents stayed away from venues where county officials were expected to address them. The county government didn’t hold any public function to mark the day.
Workers in Murang’a cited economic hardships, over-taxation, unpaid pending bills, corruption and delays in disbursing devolved funds as reasons for the lack of celebration.
“There is no way you can convince me that I am supposed to celebrate work. Work is a biblical curse after Adam and Eve sinned. Anything that makes you sweat is not worth celebrating. We are supposed to celebrate fruits of work that we currently don’t have,” said Mr Paul Muchoki 52, who works for Kakuzi Plantation.
He added: “I’m supposed to be celebrating my ability to pay rent, school fees, and save. But I’m in arrears across the board, and even as an employed person, my creditworthiness has plummeted.”
Cecilia Munga who works at Del Monte Plantation said her income is swallowed by taxes and rising living costs.
“We’re perpetually depressed. Our disposable income is almost nonexistent,” she said.
She added that many companies had slashed their wage bills and working hours.
“Workers are wandering around confused unsure if Labour Day is any different from Fools’ Day, ”Ms Munga said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed the Labour Day events, describing them as a reminder of “unspeakable pain.”
A man pulling a handcart loaded with luggage along Jogoo road in Nairobi on May 1, 2025 as the world marked Labour Day.
“As we mark the 60th Labour Day celebration, the story of the Kenyan worker is the same; unspeakable pain, anguish and utter frustration. We know no Kenyan worker is happy and to wish them such is only an additional pain,” Mr Gachagua said.
Mr Gachagua lamented that payslips had been "raided for uncouth causes," the cost of living had become unbearable and money was scarce even as leaders continued to globe-trot on public funds.
His message to workers was one of resilience saying as Kenyans struggle to make ends meet, they should take comfort that this situation is not permanent.
“At home, taxpayers' money is used to bribe leaders and citizens to attend public functions. I assure you that we are a team of patriotic men and women not sleeping, working on strategies to do away with misery, pain and indignation; we shall restore the dignity of the payslip, God willing, we shall get there,” he said.
Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro urged workers and their dependents to persevere and keep the faith.
“As we celebrate Labour Day let’s remember the people behind the work, us. The passion, perseverance and purpose we invest in nation-building and personal development are what make work meaningful,” the MP said
He added, “God sees all, and the King of Kings will come to make everything new.”
Farmers Party leader Irungu Nyakera called on workers to remain resilient and dedicated. At the Coast, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) backed the government’s transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) calling on workers to embrace the reforms despite existing concerns.
Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations in Mombasa, Cotu Coast Region representative Gideon Mutiso said the healthcare financing transformation aims to improve coverage and efficiency.
“Let’s give the new Social Health Authority (SHA) and the SHIF a chance. These systems are meant to enhance our healthcare. As workers, we must be progressive and support social protection,” said Mr Mutiso.
Confusion and skepticism
His comments followed public confusion and skepticism surrounding the full rollout of the SHA, which now oversees the Primary Healthcare Fund, SHIF and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund under the Social Health Insurance Act 2023.
Mr Mutiso also condemned employers who continue to exploit workers saying some workplaces have become zones of harassment and lawlessness.
“There are rogue employers who care nothing for their workers' welfare. That must end,” he said.
He called for closer collaboration between Cotu, the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), and the government to improve labour relations and working conditions.
“Progress depends on dialogue. Cotu, FKE, and the government must sit at the same table. We’re not enemies. Dialogue is key to building a strong labour movement and ensuring dignity at work.”
On the growing number of Kenyans seeking jobs abroad, Mr Mutiso advised jobseekers to follow legal channels and avoid unscrupulous agents.
“We won’t be responsible for anyone who sneaks out of the country through illegal means and later runs to embassies or the government for help,” he warned.
He encouraged potential migrant workers to work with embassies and licensed agencies to ensure their rights are protected and they access safe jobs abroad.
Mr Mutiso also appealed to President William Ruto to increase the minimum wage, citing the economic strain on low-income earners.
“Our call to the President is simple: increase the minimum wage. Workers are suffocating under rising prices and stagnant earnings.”
He urged the government to improve the ease of doing business and reduce taxes, warning that high levies were driving investors out of the country.
“We’re seeing investors moving to Rwanda, Uganda, and other more business-friendly countries. Kenya must become competitive again. Lower taxes and reduce bureaucracy,” he said.
On the contentious issue of union recognition, Mr Mutiso proposed amending the law that requires a union to secure 50 per cent plus one support from workers before gaining official recognition.
“We want the threshold lowered. Even less than 50 percent should be enough, especially in industries where unionisation is deliberately undermined by employers.”
He reaffirmed Cotu’s commitment to working with the government, saying confrontation was not sustainable.
“The government is the largest employer. Whether we agree or not, we must work together. Cotu will always negotiate, not fight, as we defend the rights of all workers, including civil servants.”
Reporting by Wachira Mwangi, Mwangi Muiruri, George Munene, and Joseph Kanyi
