Why No Kenyan Worker Is Happy: Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has voiced concern over the tough conditions facing Kenyan workers, saying many are struggling and deeply dissatisfied.

In his statement on Thursday, May 1, while marking International Labour Day, Gachagua highlighted the burden of rising costs of living and inadequate wages as key issues.

He described workers' experiences as filled with anguish, intense frustration, and overwhelming hardship.

"As we mark the 60th Labour Day celebration, the story of the Kenyan worker is the same: unspeakable pain, anguish, and utter frustration. We know no Kenyan worker is happy, and to wish them such is only an additional pain," he wrote.

Gachagua said workers are taking home less money because of excessive and unnecessary deductions, even as the cost of living keeps climbing.

He also took a swipe at leaders for misusing public funds to pay people to show up at events.

Blasting the government, he claimed workers’ payslips are being drained for shady purposes while everyday expenses spiral out of control.

"The payslip has been raided for uncouth cause, cost of living skyrockets unbearably and zero money in circulation as the powers that be trot the globe using public resources, while at home, taxpayers' money is used to bribe leaders and the public to attend public gatherings," he continued.

Despite the tough times, Gachagua urged workers to stay hopeful, saying the current struggles won’t last forever.

"My message to the Kenyan workers as we mark Labour Day is that as they struggle to make ends meet, they should take comfort that this situation is not permanent," he continued.

"I assure you that we are a team of patriotic men and women, not sleeping, working on strategies to do away with misery, pain, and indignation; we shall restore the dignity of the payslip. God willing, we shall get there."

His sentiments come hours after Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, called for taxes on employed Kenyans to be based on basic salary instead of gross pay.

Atwoli used the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens to raise concerns to the government over the current payslips and called for reforms to line up with current economic realities.