Ruto hosts Atwoli at State House, promises better wages for Kenyan workers

President William Ruto convened a meeting at State House in Nairobi on Friday, September 18, 2026, with Francis Atwoli, Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU). The gathering centered on enhancing the welfare, rights, and working conditions of Kenyan workers, with a particular emphasis on raising wages.

President Ruto announced the meeting via his social media platform, X, stating that discussions focused on improving working conditions and better wages for workers. Atwoli, representing Kenya's umbrella trade union body, acknowledged the meeting and praised President Ruto's commitment to transforming the country. He expressed gratitude for the President's determination to improve workers' status and living standards.

The COTU boss also assured the President of the backing of Kenyan workers in achieving the administration's vision. This meeting follows President Ruto's announcement of a 12% increase in general wages and a 15% boost for agricultural workers in May 2026, which took effect through revised wage orders published by the Ministry of Labour.

The new wage structure raised the minimum monthly salary for general laborers in key cities to Ksh18,047.40, while night watchmen would earn a minimum of Ksh20,133.72. The agricultural sector received a 15% increase under the new wage order. President Ruto has consistently linked workers' welfare to productivity, job creation, and economic growth.

In past interactions with trade unions, he stressed that labor policies should encompass job creation, safer workplaces, skills development, and enhanced living conditions beyond salary increments. In 2023, Ruto urged unions to prioritize job creation and savings alongside salary negotiations, advocating for collaboration between the government and unions to address workers' welfare and workplace safety.

The President also advocated for wage policies that consider the cost of living, sustainability, and productivity. In May 2023, he emphasized that minimum wages should be guided by sustainability and productivity, aiming to rationalize wages between the public and private sectors to address disparities. As workers continue to face the challenges of rising living costs and increased labor and operational expenses, the wage review presented by the Government as a means to improve incomes was presented.

However, businesses have voiced concerns about the potential impact of higher wage costs on their operations and pricing. Specific wage figures discussed during the latest meeting were not disclosed by President Ruto or COTU Secretary-General Atwoli.