NAIROBI, Kenya May 1 – President William Ruto has announced plans to increase the minimum salary wage by 6 percent amid high inflation and the implementation of new taxes that have reduced Kenyan spending power.
Ruto directed all the relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Labour and social protection, to convene a meeting with the appropriate committee in order to discuss and implement the minimum wage increase of 6 percent.
“We want to agree on how we will push the nation forward. I call upon the Labour Minister Florence Bore and the relevant committees to convene a meeting and discuss ways of how to increase the minimum wage by at least 6 percent,” said Ruto during the 59th Labour Day celebrations at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
He directed the ministry to activate multiple wage councils including the protective, general and agricultural wages that will negotiate the minimum wages in different sectors in order to overcome the economic challenges.
Ruto affirmed that his government is committed to enhancing the welfare and rights of workers even during this time when the nation is facing financial constraints due to tough economic hardships.
The head of state assured that the economic policy measures being implemented by his administration have lowered the cost of living for Kenyans and also the prices of basic commodities emphasizing the need for the country to live within its means and stay away from debt.
“As we commemorate Labour Day let us rededicate ourselves to doing our best and contributing our utmost to enhance the welfare of every Kenyan,” he said.
On the unemployment facing many Kenyan youths president Ruto said his government has a deliberate program on how to create more jobs including the Bilateral Labour Agreements negotiations for Kenyans to work abroad and access the international job markets.
While delivering his remarks Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli said workers had proposed a minimum wage increase of 22.5 percent stating efforts made by the Union have helped protect workers welfare.
