Kenyan Workers Could Get Up to 23% Wage Increase as Unions Negotiate with Government

Kenyan workers could receive a wage increase of up to 23 per cent as trade unions negotiate with the government ahead of this year’s Labour Day.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) is leading the push, arguing that rising living costs have significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power and require urgent action. Secretary General Francis Atwoli said on Saturday that discussions with the government are ongoing and expressed cautious optimism that an adjustment may be announced during the Labour Day celebrations.

Atwoli said increasing fuel prices continue to raise the cost of essential goods and services, affecting workers across the country. He noted that higher petroleum costs have led to increased public transport fares and food prices, placing greater pressure on household incomes. 

In response, unions are seeking higher wages to help offset these costs. Several sectoral unions are also renegotiating their Collective Bargaining Agreements to reflect current economic conditions.

The proposed increase aligns with Cotu’s previous calls for wage adjustments, including a similar proposal in 2022. However, the final figure for 2026 remains under negotiation, reflecting the need to balance workers’ demands with wider economic considerations.

Atwoli also addressed the political environment, warning that instability could affect economic progress and job security. He urged workers to assess calls for public demonstrations carefully, stating that not all protests address the underlying economic issues.

He added that some political actors oversimplify the causes of rising fuel prices, pointing to global factors such as tensions affecting oil supply routes. According to Atwoli, these international influences play a significant role in shaping local price levels.