By James Wafula in Nairobi.
President Uhuru Kenyatta announced to the nation a 12% increase on Kenya’s Sh17,000 minimum wage.
He made the announcement during his Labour Day speech at the Nyayo National Stadium on May1st, 2022, noting that the change takes effect immediately..
This is after Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Mr Francis Atwoli lamented the high cost of living catalyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors.
The President said the increase was aimed at cushioning Kenyans against the ravages of the pandemic as well as to increase their purchasing power, terming it as the act of a caring government.
“We have not had a review of the minimum wage over the last three years. I acknowledge increased cost of living. I fully appreciate critical contribution that our Kenyan workers have made to our economy during that very difficult time. As a caring government we find there is a compelling case to review the minimum wage in that context I today declare an increase of the minimum wage by 12% percentage points,” President Kenyatta stated ■
