Kenya Holds First Labour Day Outside Capital as Atwoli Denies Favouritism

Key facts

• Labour Day celebrations will be held in Vihiga for the first time, outside Nairobi.
• COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the move followed a request by Vihiga County Government and approval by President William Ruto.
• Atwoli denied favouritism, stating he comes from Kakamega, not Vihiga.
• The event is set for May 1, with workers assembling at 7:00 a.m. and floats showcasing factory activities.
• Participants include Eastern Produce from Nandi Hills, domestic and hotel workers, sugar union members, and plantation workers.
• Key stakeholders expected include government officials, workers' representatives, and union members.

A Historic Shift from Nairobi to Vihiga

For the first time, Kenya’s Labour Day celebrations will be held outside the capital city, in Vihiga County. The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) announced that preparations are complete for the national event, which marks a departure from decades of tradition. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli confirmed that the change followed a formal request by the Vihiga County Government and subsequent approval by President William Ruto. The decision aims to decentralize the commemoration and bring it closer to workers in rural areas.

Atwoli Rejects Claims of Favouritism Over Venue Choice

The choice of Vihiga has sparked allegations of favouritism, with critics suggesting Atwoli selected his home area. Atwoli firmly denied this, stating, “I want them to know that I come from Kakamega.” He emphasized that the decision was based on the county’s request and presidential approval, not personal ties. The clarification comes amid broader scrutiny of COTU’s leadership and its relationship with the government.

Workers and Companies Prepare for May Day Demonstrations

The annual event will feature workers assembling from 7:00 a.m., with floats demonstrating activities carried out in factories. Atwoli highlighted participation from Eastern Produce from Nandi Hills, along with domestic and hotel workers from the region. “Those from the sugar union and workers in sugar plantations will also join us to showcase the work they do,” he added. The celebrations are expected to draw a diverse cross-section of Kenya’s labour force.

Key Labour Issues Take Centre Stage

The event will highlight critical labour concerns, including workers’ welfare, wages, and employment conditions. Atwoli noted that all key stakeholders—government officials, workers’ representatives, and union members—are expected to attend. This year’s Labour Day arrives amid ongoing debates over minimum wage adjustments and job security in Kenya, making the forum a platform for unions to press their demands.

A New Chapter for Kenya’s Labour Movement

Holding the celebrations outside Nairobi signals a shift in how the labour movement engages with workers across the country. By taking the event to Vihiga, COTU aims to amplify voices from regions often overlooked in national dialogues. The move also reflects a broader trend of devolution under President Ruto’s administration, which has encouraged county-level initiatives. Whether this becomes a permanent change remains to be seen, but it sets a precedent for future Labour Day observances.

Outlook: Decentralisation and Its Discontents

While the venue change has been welcomed by many, the accusations of favouritism reveal underlying tensions within the labour movement. Atwoli’s denial may not fully quell suspicions, especially among those who view COTU’s leadership as too close to the government. As workers gather in Vihiga, the focus will be on substantive issues—wages, conditions, and the future of labour rights. The success of this year’s event could shape whether similar decentralisation efforts are adopted for other national celebrations.

The bottom line

• Kenya’s Labour Day celebrations are being held in Vihiga for the first time, outside Nairobi.
• COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli denied favouritism, clarifying his home county is Kakamega, not Vihiga.
• The venue change followed a request by Vihiga County Government and approval by President William Ruto.
• Workers will assemble at 7:00 a.m. with floats from companies like Eastern Produce and sugar unions.
• Key issues to be addressed include workers’ welfare, wages, and employment conditions.
• The event marks a shift towards decentralisation of national celebrations in Kenya.