Raising the minimum wage can only go so far in cushioning poor workers

Tea pickers operate a tea picking machine at Nandi Hills in Nandi County. [Kevin Tunoi, Standard]

On Labour Day last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta raised the minimum wage by 12 per cent amidst cheers from the crowd. But is 12 per cent good enough, and are employers justified in opposing the increment?  

The raise was expected in an election year, but what does it mean to the economy, employers and employees?