Kenya to mark Labour Day and COTU Diamond Jubilee in dual celebration
President William Ruto will lead the national event at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Kenya is set to celebrate a major milestone this year with the joint commemoration of Labour Day and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Diamond Jubilee.
President William Ruto will lead the national event at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The occasion will honor Kenyan workers and mark 60 years of COTU-K’s advocacy for workers' rights.
The day will begin with an early morning assembly of workers, trade union leaders, and invited guests for a grand procession along Lang'ata Road and at Uchumi Parking.
The colourful parade—featuring pedestrian and mechanized floats—will be led by the Administration Police Band.
Before proceeding to Uhuru Gardens, Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua is expected to visit COTU-K headquarters in Gikomba, where he will sign the Labour Day visitors’ book.
He will be accompanied by COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli and members of the union’s executive board.
The celebrations will feature entertainment, interfaith prayers, and a symbolic workers’ march-past. These will precede speeches by COTU leaders, the Labour CS, and the President.
President Ruto is scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. and will be received by Dr. Mutua and COTU leadership.
As Chief Guest, the President is expected to address a range of labour-related issues, including wage reviews, employment policy, industrial relations, and the government's commitment to improving working conditions.
The celebrations come amid growing calls from workers' unions for action on wage stagnation and poor labour conditions, as Kenyans grapple with economic strain and a high cost of living.