Atwoli: 12 per cent pay rise is general wage, not minimum wage

President William Ruto and COTU secretary General Francis Atwoli , during the 61st Labour Day Celebrations. [PCS]

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has clarified that the 12 per cent wage increase announced by  president William Ruto during  Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County  is a general wage adjustment, not a minimum wage increment.

According to Atwoli, all workers across the country are entitled to the 12 per cent general wage increase, which should not be confused with the statutory minimum wage.

He explained that only agricultural workers received a minimum wage adjustment, which was raised by 15 per cent.

“There is a difference between minimum and general wage increase. This is not minimum wage,” Atwoli said.

A minimum wage is the lowest pay permitted by law, while a general wage refers to the standard compensation, including basic salary and regular allowances, paid to employees over a specified period.

The COTU Secretary General reiterated that the 12 per cent increase applies broadly as a general wage adjustment.

“The President clarified it when we were having lunch. He told the Minister for Labour that this is not minimum wage. Kenyans have received a general wage increase,” Atwoli said.

He noted that the increase would benefit workers across different sectors, including those already in employment, and described it as a positive step by the government.

Atwoli said the economy was improving and that the wage increase would help uplift workers’ livelihoods.

“This is money that will help Kenyans more than anything else,” he said.

He also pointed out that many employees remain in the same pay brackets for years without adjustments.

“There are some people who, since they were employed, are still with the same salary for 20 or 30 years,” Atwoli added.

He thanked the government for the move, saying Kenyan workers require better pay and improved working conditions.

 During the Labour Day celebrations, President Ruto announced a 12 per cent general wage increase and a 15 per cent rise in agricultural wages.

 “In recognition of the sacrifice, resilience, and immense contribution of our workers to the growth and stability of our economy, I am pleased to announce a 12% increase in general wages and a 15% increase in agricultural wages,” the President said.