Gachagua: No Kenyan Worker Is Happy Amid High Cost of Living and Low Wages
Nairobi, Kenya – May 1, 2025 – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed concern over the ongoing struggles of Kenyan workers, saying many are facing deep suffering, low pay, and increasing frustration due to harsh economic conditions.
Speaking during the 60th Labour Day celebrations, Gachagua said the lives of Kenyan workers continue to be marked by hardship, with many struggling to cope with the high cost of living and the burden of multiple salary deductions.
“As we commemorate 60 years of Labour Day, the story of the Kenyan worker has sadly remained the same — unbearable pain, endless anguish, and total frustration.
No Kenyan worker is truly happy. In fact, to wish them happiness under these conditions only deepens their pain,” he said.
Gachagua noted that many workers are taking home less pay due to what he described as excessive and unnecessary statutory deductions, all while the prices of essential goods and services continue to rise.
He criticised the government for failing to address these economic challenges and instead misusing public funds.
“The payslip has been completely raided for unjust causes. The cost of living is rising at an alarming rate, yet there is little to no money circulating in the economy.
Meanwhile, those in power are busy globe-trotting using public funds, and at home, taxpayers’ money is used to bribe citizens and leaders just to attend public functions,” he lamented.
He condemned the trend of splashing public funds to stage-managed gatherings and accused some leaders of ignoring the real issues affecting the ordinary Kenyan worker.
Despite painting a bleak picture, Gachagua encouraged workers to remain strong and hopeful. He promised that there are ongoing efforts to restore dignity and fairness to the working class.
“My message to the hardworking men and women of Kenya is this: even as you struggle to put food on the table, do not lose hope.
This situation is not permanent. I assure you that there are patriotic individuals among us who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring change.
We are developing strategies to eliminate pain, restore your payslip’s dignity, and end this misery. God willing, we shall overcome,” he added.
Gachagua’s remarks came shortly after Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli voiced similar concerns during the Labour Day celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
Atwoli called on President William Ruto’s administration to amend current laws guiding salary deductions, urging the government to base statutory deductions on basic salary rather than gross pay.
He argued that such reforms would better reflect workers’ actual income and ease their financial burden.
“Let’s be fair to the workers of this country. The deductions must be reasonable and reflect their true earnings,” Atwoli told the crowd gathered for the event.
As Kenyans marked this year’s Labour Day, the message from leaders like Gachagua and Atwoli was clear: the plight of the Kenyan worker must be urgently addressed if the nation is to build a fairer and more prosperous future for all.
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