Kenyan workers may soon see a significant pay increase as unions ramp up their efforts for a 23 percent wage hike. This relief could come to fruition if the ongoing negotiations led by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) succeed before the Labour Day celebrations on May 1, 2026.
During a COTU shop stewards’ meeting in Nairobi on April 18, 2026, Secretary General Francis Atwoli emphasized that unions are advocating for this pay rise to protect workers from the escalating cost of living, primarily driven by rising fuel prices that have increased transportation, food, and other essential goods.
Atwoli stated, “When fuel and petroleum prices rise, as representatives of the workers, we have no choice but to negotiate for improved salaries. We are currently in discussions for a salary increase and are optimistic that the President will approve raises this Labour Day.”
He highlighted that unions are actively engaging with employers regarding salary adjustments, with some revisiting their Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) to align with current economic conditions.
Atwoli urged unions involved in negotiating CBAs to reevaluate terms to ensure wage adjustments reflect the ongoing economic realities, particularly the persistent rise in fuel prices. “We are advocating for a wage increase, and some unions are already revisiting CBAs to safeguard workers from economic shocks linked to fuel prices. We are calling for a 23 percent increase in salaries this Labour Day,” he stated.
While the precise percentage for 2026 remains under negotiation, COTU has previously sought substantial increments, including a proposed 23.4 percent increase in 2022.
At the same time, Atwoli called for responsible political conduct, cautioning that instability could jeopardize workers’ livelihoods. He warned that political tensions might destabilize the economy, disproportionately affecting workers, women, and children.
“Politics has the power to build or dismantle a nation. If our country falters, it is the workers, women, and children who suffer the most. As workers, we cannot remain passive while politics threatens the stability that secures our jobs,” he asserted.
He also encouraged workers to critically evaluate calls for protests, questioning whether such actions genuinely serve their interests. “Whenever a politician calls for a protest, we must consider how this benefits us, as we cannot protest over matters beyond the control of the Kenyan government,” he added.
Atwoli further characterized rising fuel prices as a global challenge, warning against local leaders who may politicize and misrepresent the issue. He connected global economic pressures to local wage demands, citing geopolitical tensions that impact fuel prices through vital trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
He explained, “Fuel prices influence everything, from matatu fares to food costs; petroleum expenses reverberate throughout the economy, placing the burden on workers. Local politicians often oversimplify these global crises, portraying them as local issues.”
