By John Kariuki
KEWOTA CEO Benter Opande has applauded President William Ruto’s 2025 Labour Day address, calling it a timely boost for Kenyan workers and a bold step toward economic renewal.
Speaking shortly after the speech at Uhuru Gardens, Opande said the measures—from PAYE reliefs and pension tax exemptions to SME-friendly reforms—were not only symbolic but impactful.
“Nairobi’s workforce, especially women and teachers, stands to benefit from these reforms. The President’s message was one of hope backed by action,” she said.
The President highlighted a surge in NSSF contributions—from KSh 320 million over six decades to KSh 280 billion in just two years. Inflation has dropped to 3.5%, and the Kenyan shilling has strengthened to 129 against the dollar. Kenya is now the sixth-largest economy in Africa.
Over 250,000 jobs have been created under the Affordable Housing Programme, while the Hustler Fund has reached over 25 million Kenyans with KSh 70 billion disbursed.
In education, Opande welcomed the recruitment of 76,000 teachers and the upcoming hiring of 20,000 more in 2026. However, she stressed that a teacher shortage of over 90,000 remains. She urged the government to prioritize unemployed P1 graduates, whose certificate was recently phased out, and those who have been jobless the longest.
On health, she called on the government to raise teachers’ medical allowances to enable full access to SHA services, given their high numbers and essential role.
She also lauded the ratification of ILO conventions 189 and 190, aimed at protecting domestic workers and tackling workplace harassment.
“With over 20,000 youth engaged in Nairobi’s green renewal programs, and strong strides in labour protections, the government must now focus on timely implementation,” Opande said.
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