President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cotu boss Francis Atwoli and Vihiga Governor Wiberforce Ottichillo during Labour Day celebrations on May 1 /HANDOUT

The choice of Vihiga county as the host for the 2026 Labour Day celebrations marks a historic shift in Kenya's national traditions.

For the first time since independence, the national event is being held outside of Nairobi.

The primary reason cited by government officials, including Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, is the effort to decentralise national celebrations.

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“Moving Labour Day celebrations from Nairobi to Vihiga was a challenge, but the county government led by Governor Wilber Ottichilo, the Cotu-K team and security officials have done a commendable job.”

Moving the event away from the capital is intended to promote national unity and allow different regions to participate directly in major state functions.

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According to Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli, the move followed a formal request by the Vihiga government, led by Governor Wilber Ottichilo, which was subsequently approved by President William Ruto.

“Thank you President William Ruto for allowing us to host Labour Day celebrations. This is a historic fete. If you had not poposed that Labour Day is celebrated in Vihiga, we would’nt be here today,” Ottichillo said.

Ottichilo said the move speaks to the grassroots and hoped that the event will be devolved to other counties.

The celebrations are being held at Chavakali Boys High School, with the venue selected after inspections by national and county officials to ensure it could accommodate the large crowds and high-security requirements.

The event provides a platform to highlight the contribution of workers from Western Kenya, specifically those in sectors like agriculture (tea and sugar) and the hospitality industry within the region.

While there was some public speculation that the choice was influenced by Francis Atwoli's roots in the region, he clarified that he actually hails from neighboring Kakamega county and that the decision was a broader government move toward regional rotation for national holidays.