By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, May 01, 2026 - Millions of Kenyan workers are set for higher pay after President William Ruto announced a fresh increase in minimum wages during this year’s Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County.
In a move aimed at easing the pressure of rising living costs, the President directed a 12 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent rise for agricultural workers.
“I am pleased to announce a 12 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural wages to all Kenyan workers,” Ruto declared as thousands of workers gathered to mark Labour Day.
The announcement was one of the biggest highlights of the celebrations and comes after months of calls by trade unions for salary adjustments amid higher food, fuel and housing costs.
Farm workers, many of whom have struggled with low earnings despite rising production costs, are expected to benefit the most from the new directive.
Ruto said the wage review was a recognition of the sacrifices Kenyan workers continue to make in supporting the country’s economy.
“In recognition of the sacrifice, resilience, and immense contribution of our workers to the growth and stability of our economy,” the President said, the government had decided to review wages upward.
The increase follows sustained pressure from the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), whose Secretary General Francis Atwoli has repeatedly pushed for better pay and stronger worker protections.
While workers welcomed the announcement, employers have previously warned that a sharp wage increase could put more pressure on struggling businesses, especially small and medium enterprises still recovering from economic challenges.
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Last week, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Mugo urged the government to strike a balance between protecting workers and keeping businesses afloat.
“Businesses are struggling, and we will be appealing to the government to balance the interests of businesses and the interests of employees,” Mugo said.
Beyond salaries, Ruto also pledged stronger workplace protections, saying the government would continue working closely with COTU, FKE and the Ministry of Labour to enforce labour rights.
The President further announced progress in adopting international labour standards, revealing that Kenya had completed the process of ratifying International Labour Organisation conventions on decent work for domestic workers and eliminating violence and harassment at the workplace.
This year’s Labour Day celebrations, held in Vihiga for the first time, attracted workers from different sectors across the country under the theme: “We Support the Northern Link: Accelerating Trade through the Rironi-Malaba Highway Transformation.”
Ruto said the theme reflected the government’s focus on infrastructure development as a way of creating jobs, improving trade and boosting economic growth.