By MKT Reporter
A stormy political showdown is brewing over the state of Kenya’s workforce after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua delivered a scathing critique of the government during a public address yesterday.
Speaking at a national forum reflecting on the 2026 Labour Day celebrations, Gachagua painted a grim picture of a country where millions of workers, he said, are overtaxed, underpaid, and increasingly disillusioned.
“More than 20 million Kenyans wake up every morning to work, but their effort no longer guarantees dignity,” he declared, accusing the administration of President William Ruto of pursuing policies that have eroded workers’ purchasing power and deepened inequality.
Payslip under siege
At the heart of Gachagua’s address, held at Radisson Blu Hotel, was the shrinking value of the Kenyan payslip.
He claimed that statutory deductions; including taxes and social contributions now consume between 30% and 45% of workers’ gross income.
“What used to symbolize dignity now reflects deprivation,” he said. “The payslip shows what you cannot afford.”
He warned that proposed levies could push deductions to nearly half of workers’ earnings, further squeezing households already grappling with high living costs.
Rising discontent across sectors
From teachers and police officers struggling with healthcare access under the Social Health Authority (SHA), to informal workers left out of national planning, Gachagua described a workforce abandoned by both government and unions.
He took particular aim at the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), accusing its leadership of failing to advocate for workers’ rights.
“Workers are on their own,” he said.
“Those entrusted to defend them have instead aligned with power.”
The speech highlighted the plight of Kenya’s vast informal sector, which accounts for roughly 80% of employment. From market traders to domestic workers, Gachagua said these groups remain “marginally excluded, socially unprotected, and functionally exploited.”
He cited the struggles of ride-hailing drivers and boda boda operators, describing a system where long hours and high platform commissions leave many earning less than KSh100 per hour during off-peak times.
“This is not just unfair, it is modern-day exploitation,” he asserted.
Billions collected, little delivered
Gachagua also questioned the transparency of government programs such as the Affordable Housing Levy, which he said has collected tens of billions of shillings without delivering clear benefits to contributors.
He further alleged that public funds were being funneled into private financial institutions, pointing to the rapid growth of Sidian Bank as evidence of questionable financial practices.
“These are not voluntary contributions,” he said. “They are deductions made in the name of development, yet accountability remains elusive.”
Linking workers’ struggles to broader economic trends, Gachagua noted a slowdown in growth; from 7.6% in 2021 to 4.6% currently, alongside rising fuel prices, inflation, and lending rates.
He warned that the cumulative effect of these pressures is pushing families into crisis, with many unable to afford basic needs such as rent, food, education, and healthcare.
The address also touched on the growing trend of labour migration, with thousands of Kenyans reportedly leaving the country each year in search of work abroad. Gachagua raised concerns about the safety and dignity of these jobs, particularly in the Middle East and conflict zones.
“No Kenyan should be forced into dangerous or undignified work,” he said.
“Employment abroad must meet standards of fairness and safety.”
Political undertones
While framed as a workers’ advocacy speech, Gachagua’s remarks carried clear political undertones, positioning himself as a defender of the working class ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Kenyans to “mobilize peacefully” and use their vote to demand leadership that prioritizes their welfare.
“Your destiny is in your hands,” he concluded. “We must restore the dignity of work and the value of the Kenyan pay.”
As economic pressures mount and political rhetoric intensifies, the condition of Kenya’s workforce is fast becoming a central issue in the national conversation; one that could shape the country’s political and economic trajectory in the years ahead.
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