Why Kenyan Workers Need a Left Socialist Political Party

By Andrew Mwangura

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenyan workers, the backbone of the nation’s economy, are trapped in a cycle of exploitation, low wages, and precarious working conditions that demand a radical political shift.

The absence of a robust left socialist political party to champion their cause leaves millions vulnerable to the whims of a capitalist system that prioritizes profit over people.

While Kenya’s political landscape is crowded with parties, none consistently advocate for the structural changes needed to uplift workers.

A left socialist party, rooted in principles of equity, collective bargaining, and social justice, is not just desirable but essential to address the systemic challenges facing Kenyan workers.

The plight of Kenyan workers is stark. From the tea plantations of Kericho to the factories of Nairobi’s industrial area, laborers endure grueling hours for wages that barely sustain basic needs.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reports that over 40% of Kenyans live below the poverty line, with many workers earning less than KSh 15,000 monthly despite rising inflation.

Casual labor, devoid of job security or benefits, dominates sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. Workers in the informal sector—over 80% of the workforce—face even worse conditions, with no access to pensions, healthcare, or legal protections.

Meanwhile, multinational corporations and local elites amass wealth, exploiting tax loopholes and lax labor laws.

The current political establishment, dominated by centrist and right-leaning parties, has failed to address these inequalities, often aligning with corporate interests over the working class.

A left socialist party would offer a transformative vision for Kenyan workers by prioritizing policies that dismantle this exploitative system.

Unlike the existing parties, which often recycle promises of job creation without addressing structural inequities, a socialist party would advocate for a living wage, universal healthcare, and robust labor protections.It would push for land reforms to empower rural workers, many of whom toil on estates owned by absentee landlords.

By nationalizing key industries like agriculture and mining, such a party could ensure that profits are reinvested into public services rather than siphoned offshore.

This is not a utopian dream but a practical necessity. Countries like Bolivia and Cuba have shown that socialist policies can improve living standards for workers when implemented with commitment.

The absence of such a party leaves workers vulnerable to manipulation by populist politicians who offer short-term handouts while perpetuating systemic exploitation.

Kenya’s political parties, including the ruling coalition and opposition, are largely indistinguishable in their economic ideologies, embracing neoliberal policies that favour deregulation and privatization.

These policies have led to the erosion of public services, with healthcare and education becoming increasingly unaffordable for the average worker.The privatization of state-owned enterprises, such as in the energy sector, has driven up costs, further squeezing workers’ incomes.

A left socialist party would reverse this trend, advocating for public ownership of essential services and progressive taxation to fund them.

This would ensure that wealth generated by workers’ labor benefits the broader society, not just a privileged few.

Moreover, a socialist party would strengthen workers’ bargaining power.

Trade unions in Kenya, while active, are often fragmented and lack the political clout to influence policy.

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has faced criticism for being too cozy with the government, diluting its advocacy for workers’ rights.

A left socialist party would work hand-in-hand with unions, amplifying their demands for better wages, workplace safety, and job security. It could push for legislation to protect casual workers, who are often excluded from labor laws, and enforce penalties on employers who violate rights.

By fostering a culture of solidarity, such a party would unite workers across sectors—formal and informal, urban and rural—to demand their fair share.

Critics may argue that socialism is a relic of the past, incompatible with Kenya’s growing economy. They point to the failures of socialist experiments elsewhere, warning of inefficiency or authoritarianism. Yet, these critiques often ignore the context of Kenya’s unique challenges.

A left socialist party need not replicate failed models but can adapt socialist principles to local realities, emphasizing democratic participation and accountability.

Kenya’s history of resistance, from the Mau Mau uprising to modern labor strikes, shows a deep yearning for justice that aligns with socialist ideals. The fear of socialism is often a tactic used by elites to maintain the status quo, ensuring workers remain divided and disempowered.

The urgency for a left socialist party is underscored by the growing discontent among Kenyan workers.

Protests over high taxes, poor working conditions, and unemployment have become common, yet they lack a cohesive political voice to channel this anger into lasting change.

Without a party to represent their interests, workers risk being co-opted by opportunistic politicians who exploit their grievances for votes.

A left socialist party would provide a platform to articulate workers’ demands, offering a clear alternative to the current system.

It would educate workers on their rights, mobilize them for collective action, and build a movement that transcends tribal and regional divides, which have long been used to fragment Kenya’s working class.

In conclusion, Kenyan workers need a left socialist political party to break the chains of exploitation and build a society where labor is valued and rewarded.

Such a party would champion policies that prioritize workers’ welfare, from fair wages to universal healthcare and public ownership of key industries. It would empower unions, protect the vulnerable, and challenge the dominance of corporate interests.

While the road to establishing such a party is fraught with challenges, the alternative—continued exploitation under a neoliberal system—is untenable.

Kenyan workers deserve a political home that fights for their dignity and rights, and a left socialist party is the vehicle to deliver it.

The author is a policy analyst specializing in maritime governance and blue economy development.