KEWOTA CEO Applauds Ruto’s Labour Day Speech, Urges Action on Teacher Shortage
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By John Kariuki
Nairobi, May 2, 2025 – Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) CEO Benter Opande has lauded President William Ruto’s 2025 Labour Day address as a transformative blueprint for Kenyan workers, praising reforms ranging from tax reliefs to job creation as a “bold step toward economic renewal.”
Speaking at Uhuru Gardens following the President’s address, Opande welcomed the focus on practical worker support, particularly for women and teachers. “The President’s message was one of hope backed by action. Nairobi’s workforce, especially women and teachers, stands to benefit from these reforms,” she said.
Among the key highlights noted by Opande were:
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Increased NSSF contributions: From KSh 320 million over six decades to KSh 280 billion in just two years.
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Macroeconomic stability: Inflation down to 3.5%, and the Kenyan shilling strengthening to KSh 129 against the dollar.
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Job creation: Over 250,000 jobs under the Affordable Housing Programme and KSh 70 billion disbursed to 25 million Kenyans through the Hustler Fund.
Opande commended the recruitment of 76,000 teachers and plans to hire 20,000 more in 2026, but warned that Kenya still faces a teacher shortage of over 90,000. She urged the government to prioritize unemployed P1 graduates, especially those whose qualifications were recently phased out, and others long without work.
On health, she pressed for increased medical allowances for teachers to ensure full access to the Social Health Authority (SHA), citing the sector’s essential role in national development.
The KEWOTA boss also praised the ratification of ILO Conventions 189 and 190, which aim to protect domestic workers and address workplace harassment.
“With over 20,000 youth engaged in Nairobi’s green renewal programs and strong labour protection strides, the government must now focus on timely implementation,” Opande emphasized.
Her remarks reinforce broader calls from labour leaders for accountability and swift action to turn Labour Day pledges into real improvements for Kenyan workers.
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