President William Ruto/FILEPresident William Ruto is expected to lead the country in marking this year’s Labour Day and Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The celebrations, organized by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), will commemorate 60 years of championing workers’ rights in Kenya.
This year's event carries special significance as it marks both the annual Labour Day and the organization's 60th anniversary—its Diamond Jubilee.
According to the official programme, workers, trade union leaders and guests will begin assembling early in the morning, with a grand procession of pedestrian and mechanized floats expected along Lang’ata Road and at Uchumi Parking, led by the Administration Police Band.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua will first make a stop at the COTU (K) headquarters in Gikomba to sign the Labour Day visitors’ book before heading to Uhuru Gardens.
He will be accompanied by COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli and members of the union’s executive board.
President Ruto is scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. and will be received by CS Mutua and the COTU leadership.
A series of entertainment segments, interfaith prayers, and a symbolic workers’ march-past will follow before key addresses from COTU officials, the Labour Cabinet Secretary and ultimately, the Head of State.
President Ruto is scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. and will be received by CS Mutua and the COTU leadership.
A series of entertainment segments, interfaith prayers, and a symbolic workers’ march-past will follow before key addresses from COTU officials, the Labour Cabinet Secretary and ultimately, the Head of State.
In his capacity as the Chief Guest, President Ruto is expected to address the nation and speak directly to Kenya’s workers on critical issues such as wages, employment, industrial harmony, and the government’s labour agenda.
The celebrations come amid growing calls from workers’ unions for wage reviews and better working conditions as the country navigates economic recovery and high living costs.
