Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has moved to clear confusion surrounding President William Ruto’s Labour Day announcement on wage adjustments.

Addressing the press on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Atwoli insisted that the 12 per cent increase applies broadly to Kenyan workers and is not limited to minimum wage earners.

Atwoli said there had been widespread misinterpretation of the president’s directive, particularly from employers’ groups.

“The 12 per cent wage increase was not a minimum wage increase. It was a general wage increase, and you heard the president himself announcing it,” Atwoli said.

Distinction between minimum and general wages

Atwoli emphasised that there is a clear difference between a minimum wage adjustment and a general wage increase, noting that the government’s directive was intended to benefit workers across different salary levels.

“There is a difference between minimum wage and a general wage increase. Fifteen per cent was a minimum wage increase for agricultural sector workers, but overall Kenyans, including those whose salary has been raised by 15 per cent, including you and me, you are entitled to the 12 per cent wage increase,” he explained.

He added that the clarification had been made directly by the president during consultations with labour officials.

“This is a general wage increase, and the president clarified it when we were having lunch. He told the minister for labour that this is not a minimum wage increase; I have given Kenyans a general wage increase,” Atwoli said.

Pushback against employers’ interpretation

The COTU boss took issue with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), which he says has suggested that the 12 per cent adjustment should be treated as a minimum wage increment.

“I even saw the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) trying to say that this was a minimum wage increase. Let Jacqueline Mugo of FKE be told that this is a general wage increase. Let it not be mistaken,” he said.

His remarks signal a potential standoff between labour unions and employers over how the directive will be implemented, especially in the private sector.

Atwoli maintained that the general wage increase is meant to cushion workers against the rising cost of living and should be reflected across the board in salaries.

“This is money that will have to help Kenyans more than anything else. We thank the president and his economic team for coming up with this general wage increase,” he said.

In a lighter moment, Atwoli added that even his own salary would be affected by the directive.

“Even me, COTU is going to increase my salary by 12 per cent,” he remarked.

Ruto’s directive

President William Ruto on Friday, May 1, 2026, announced a 12 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent rise in agricultural wages, in a move aimed at cushioning Kenyan workers against the rising cost of living.

Speaking during Labour Day celebrations at Chavakali High School, the President said the wage adjustments were part of the government’s broader plan to improve livelihoods and drive economic transformation.

“I am pleased to announce a 12 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural wages to all Kenyan workers. Happy Labour Day. May we continue building this nation together for this and for future generations as we strive to transform Kenya into a developed economy within our lifetime,” Ruto declared.

The announcement comes amid growing pressure on the government to address inflation and the rising cost of basic commodities, which have significantly strained household incomes across the country.