CHAVAKALI, Kenya- President William Ruto has announced a 12pc increase in general wages and a 15pc rise in agricultural sector pay, in a Labour Day address that also doubled as a robust defence of his administration’s economic record.
Speaking during the 61st International Labour Day celebrations held for the first time outside the capital, the president framed the wage increase as recognition of Kenyan workers’ “sacrifice, resilience and immense contribution” to the economy.
The announcement comes amid growing public debate over the cost of living and the pace of economic growth.
Ruto insisted that the economy remains “steady, robust and resilient,” citing GDP growth of 4.6pc, inflation at 5.6pc, and foreign exchange reserves of $13.3 billion.
He also pointed to a relatively stable shilling and continued inflows from diaspora remittances as signs of confidence in Kenya’s economic direction.
“Kenya is transforming. Kenya is changing right before our eyes,” he said, urging citizens not to be “swayed by screaming headlines.”
The president highlighted job creation as a key achievement, linking it to flagship government programmes including the Affordable Housing Programme, which he said has already created over 640,000 jobs, with a target of one million.
He also defended broader economic policies under his “Kazi kwa Ground, Kazi Mtandaoni, Kazi Majuu” framework, aimed at expanding employment locally, digitally, and abroad.
However, he acknowledged the scale of the employment challenge, noting that around 800,000 Kenyans enter the job market annually, while the formal sector absorbs only a fraction.
On infrastructure, Ruto pointed to major projects such as the Rironi-Malaba highway and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway, saying they would unlock trade, ease transport, and create thousands of jobs.
The address also sought to reassure workers over concerns surrounding the new health system under the Social Health Authority, promising reforms to eliminate co-payments and improve service delivery.
In a nod to organised labour, Ruto praised Francis Atwoli and pledged continued collaboration with unions, even as he defended government reforms.
