Kenyan employers have been asked to adhere and implement the 6 percent minimum wage increment that was directed by the government in 2024.
President William Ruto who spoke at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi during this year’s 60th Labour Day celebrations, said it was wrong for employers to deny workers that which is theirs.
The head of state was responding to COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli’s plea.
“On the pay increase of 6% of last year, I direct the Cabinet Secretary to ensure all employers adhere to the same,” he said.
He added that once these is done, then there shall be engagement on the next bargaining agreement.
As a way of addressing the welfare of domestic workers, President Ruto announced that Kenya will domesticate two ILO laws specifically convention 189 and recommendation 201which to ensure domestic workers receive decent work and fair treatment.
The head of State reiterated the unity for unity towards transformation of the economy of this country.
He used the moment to highlight the key aspects touching on workers in the 2025 finance bill that was recently approved by Cabinet to stimulate economic growth.
According to him, the Bill will have a targetted relieve for all workers, adding that all pensions and gratitude will now be tax exempted and ensure that retirement is met with dignity.
“We are taking bold, concrete and measurable steps on matters creating space for investment. We must make sure after retirement all workers have descend life,” he stated.
While thanking the workers for the continued support towards a better economy, President Ruto also singled out
Kenyan farmers whom he said have enabled the economy through increased production.
“We must commend them because they are working for the people of Kenya. We have made progress in the country” he said.
He assured Kenyan Workers and representative of Kenyan workers that sugar factories will be run by Kenyan workers and that no worker is going to loose their jobs in the factories.
In addition, more workers will be hired to help run this sugar industry,” he said.
On SHA, the Head of State was categorical that the government is addressing the few challenges that have been there and Kenyans are now realizing the need for universal Healthcare.
On affordable housing, the President accepted the request by Atwoli that the workers can use their payslip to acquire the houses towards owning the same.
President Ruto used the moment to also highlight the positive aspect of his recent trip to China, calling on Kenyans to work closely with his government towards development.
He pointed out that there is no need for politics at this hour, but wait for 2027.
According to him, 2027 will be a time for test on who delivered.
“Tuwache siasa. Wakati huu ni wa maendeleo na ikifika 2027 kutakuwa na mtihani kulingana na Kazi iliyofanywa,” he said.
The President maintained that the nation cannot go the right direction if wrong decisions are made.
He added that he will forever continue to make the right decisions towards prosperity of the nation.
“I am very confident about the decisions I have made for this Nation. We have to work together to make Kenya progress. I want to assure you as long as I am President I will always make the right decisions towards building this nation,” he said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on his part stated that Kenya’s economy is the 6th largest in the entire Africa as per the recent report.
This, he said can be attributed to the hardworking Kenyan workers.
Mudavadi added that the growth must come out of stable political space and that is where Kenya is.
“It cannot happen in an environment of turmoil, war, political instability. The biggest Saturday to any country is not terrorism, but when institutions fail. The labour movements and unions should remain strong,” stated Mudavadi.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua on his part assured that the Ministry is on watch to ensure fair labour regulations.
According to the CS, the Ministry continues to put in place measures to ensure safe regulations.
He at the same time cited various initiatives such as Kazi mtandaoni which he said is doing well with numbers growing even as government works to address the challenges on the same.
On Social media challenges, Mutua was categorical that there is need to have a conversation on how to ensure positive and growth rather than negativity.
He sounded a stern warning to cartels and rogue individuals online trying to misuse Kenyan youth.
The CS at the same time took an issue with a section of employers for tolerating sexual harassment at work places.
He called on employers to adhere to ethics and ensure no sexual harassment at work place.
“Sexual harassment at work places is on the rise. We have received several cases and we are working to ensure a safe working environment. Soko ni kubwa, wachana na wasichana na wafanyikazi wanaofanya Kazi kwa kampuni yako,” said Mutua.
On industrial unrests, CS Mutua said he will we have meeting with COTU and FKE to work out modalities.
He reiterated the need for stakeholders to embrace dialogue before strikes to save economy.
Mutua also used the opportunity to rally support for President William Ruto calling on Kenyans to ensure second term towards service delivery.
Central Organization of Trade Union(COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli called on government to ensure tax deductions are not on the gross salary.
Atwoli was categorical that unless Kenya is producing, manufacturing then the economy cannot grow.
“Some of the problems that face us are global. Election of Donald Trump as President of USA with his policies on economy is a call for us as a nation to start thinking on measures on how we can be independent,” he said.
He however cited that outsourcing of labor is one of the biggest challenge facing the Kenya Kwanza regime leaving Kenyan workers to suffer.
The COTU SG at the same time called for need to support Textile industry.
Atwoli used the moment to rally Kenyans to be patriotic.
According to him, there is need to regulate social media just as is in UK, USA etc.
“I’m appealing to Kenyans that we must love this country for we have no other country,” he stated.
He called on President William Ruto to ensure Nairobi city is as per the World standards to attract jobs opportunities and reclaim lost glory.
On Social Health Authority (SHA), Atwoli who also sits in the Board, maintained that currently SHA is working.
He urged workers to register for the same so as to safeguard their health.
On domestic workers, Atwoli called on government to ensure their pay is at per with world standards.
He added that the laws touching on the same should be implemented and that no one should discriminate them.
He noted that the cost of living is harsh hence the welfare of workers should be re-looked at.
On matters politics, Atwoli told President Ruto not to listen to naysayers, terming them enemies of development.
Those saying Ruto must go because the ground is not okay should keep off because they themselves have no ground.
“As COTU, we support the government of the day for the stability of the country which will reflect in the industrial stability and growth of economy,” he said.
