Speech by His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, Phd., C.G.H on Labour Day May 1, 2025

Abstract

President William Ruto’s 2025 Labour Day address highlights Kenya’s progress in strengthening workers’ welfare, economic self-reliance, and national productivity, centred around the theme “Self-Reliance in Production is the Key to Economic Growth.” He outlines major reforms in the 2025 Finance Bill—including direct application of PAYE reliefs, tax-exempt pensions, and simplified taxation for small businesses—alongside transformative gains in national savings driven by enhanced NSSF contributions, which have mobilised KSh280 billion in two years. The President reports strong advances under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda: increased agricultural output due to fertilizer affordability, revitalised coffee and sugar sectors, over 250,000 jobs created through affordable housing, and expanded MSME support through the Hustler Fund. He further highlights hiring of 76,000 teachers, growing labour migration opportunities, and expanded healthcare coverage with 21 million people registered under the Social Health Authority. Ruto concludes by reaffirming workers’ rights, directing protection for unionisation, and announcing Kenya’s plan to ratify ILO Conventions 189 and 190.