President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared a 12 percent increase in the minimum wage in the country.
Speaking during this year’s Labour Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, the Head of State said the directive takes effect today, May 1, 2022.
The increment, the President said, is meant to cushion the country’s workforce against the rising cost of living occasioned by several external economic factors.
Noting that for over three years there has been no review of the minimum wages while the cost of living has increased with inflation ranging between 5 to 6 percent annually, the President said the Government has found it necessary to increase the minimum wages.
“In that regard, and in full appreciation of the critical contribution of workers to the economy; following the recommendation of various stakeholders; as a caring Government, we find that there is a compelling case to review the minimum wages so as to cushion our workers against further erosion of their purchasing power while also guaranteeing the competitiveness of our economy,” the President said.
Also Read: President Uhuru Kenyatta Applauds Ferdinand Omanyala On Blistering Performance In South Africa
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) was pushing for a 40 percent increment in the minimum wage.
In his speech, President Kenyatta regretted that the ongoing geopolitical conflict in eastern Europe involving Russia and Ukraine was slowing down the global economy’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the high cost of fuel, the President said the country’s fuel subsidy programme had ensured that Kenya maintained among the lowest pump prices in the world, and cautioned oil marketers against hoarding petroleum products.
Also Read: Uhuru Lashes Out At Ruto Over Criticism on Kenya’s Cost of Living [Video]
Following concerns from COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, the Head of State directed Labour and Social Protection CS Simon Chelugui to immediately gazette COTU’s representative on the NSSF Board of Trustees.
Atwoli had faulted the ministry for failing to gazette the appointee despite earlier commitment.
President Kenyatta declares a minimum wage increase of 12pc to cushion civil servants effective today. pic.twitter.com/f530QpPG4m
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 1, 2022
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