Thank you but we expected much more, workers tell Uhuru

President Uhuru Kenyatta delivers his address during the International Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, on May 1, 2015. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• “Once they receive the increase the government should not tax the workers because they will not be able to enjoy this rise,” said Mr Murunga, 54, who particularly pitched for the improved welfare for watchmen.
• That is the way we must go in order for us to achieve our objectives,” said Mr Kenyatta. Unlike last year, leaders of Cotu’s rival union, Trade Union Congress-Kenya and secretary-general Wilson Sossion were at Uhuru Park. Cord leader Raila Odinga and other opposition stalwats were at the celebrations.
• For Mr Alfred Manono, 45, who works in Industrial Area, the increase would not make any big difference.

By OUMA WANZALA
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By JEREMIAH KIPLANG'AT
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President Kenyatta Friday announced a 12 per cent increase in minimum wage for workers.

Employers, who last year lobbied against an increase, said they will live with it.

Federation of Kenya Employers Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo said; “Employers appreciate the efforts made to reduce the cost of doing business but a lot more needs to be done.”

Speaking during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Mr Kenyatta said the government did not increase the minimum wage last year due to various issues raised by employers.

“We did not increase minimum wage last year because we said let us work first. We have done the work. We have reduced the cost of electricity, improved revenue collection, reduced number of days to bring in raw materials,” said President Kenyatta.

But while many in the crowd cheered when the President announced the increase, those who spoke to the Saturday Nation at Uhuru Park after the celebrations said it was not enough.

ANY DIFFERENCE

Although they were appreciative of the President’s gesture, they said they expected much more because there was no increase last year.
For Mr Alfred Manono, 45, who works in Industrial Area, the increase would not make any big difference.

The cost of living had gone up following the rise of prices of foods and other commodities, he said.

“Last year there was no increase despite being promised . At least this year we will get something but this is not enough. You have to feed your family, you have to travel to work and you have to pay school fees. This is not enough,” said Mr Manono, a father of three. He called on the government to hasten the implementation of the increase by gazetting it so that workers could enjoy it as soon as possible.

Mr Jotham Murunga said the government should be tougher on employers who do not implement the rise even after gazettement.
He also asked the government not to tax the low earners so that they can fully enjoy their wages.

“Once they receive the increase the government should not tax the workers because they will not be able to enjoy this rise,” said Mr Murunga, 54, who particularly pitched for the improved welfare for watchmen.

Ms Habiba Nacho, 30, said the wages should go up by at least 20 per cent next year.

“Life is harder nowadays. You cannot compare the cost of food this year to five years ago. It is becoming more difficult to survive. We expect a higher increase next year, 20 per cent is not bad,” she said at Uhuru Park.

However, President Kenyatta said future salary increases should be based on productivity and not just cost of living.

“Let me remind Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli that that productivity is important. We have increased the minimum wage today because of cost of living but next year we should focus on productivity.

In his address, Mr Atwoli had opposed basing pay on productivity.

President Kenyatta said that if a worker is able to produce more, his or her salary should be increased.

“Lets us move as a nation from only saying that we will increase salaries because of cost of living. We want to increase salaries because our productivity as a nation has also increased.

IN ATTENDANCE

That is the way we must go in order for us to achieve our objectives,” said Mr Kenyatta. Unlike last year, leaders of Cotu’s rival union, Trade Union Congress-Kenya and secretary-general Wilson Sossion were at Uhuru Park. Cord leader Raila Odinga and other opposition stalwats were at the celebrations.

The President lauded investors for what they have done to improve the economy but said that they should not be lamenting on a daily basis.

The President said the government was determined to make the country safe and is providing modern equipment to the security agencies and improving on their welfare.

He said Kenyans should also play their part by being vigilant. “Terrorists and criminals live among us, they know no tribe or religion.

“It is upon each one of us to know who our neighbours are and report those with ill motives. We should not politicise security issues,” said the President.
Acting Labour Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo asked the labour movement to maintain an atmosphere of tranquility which will accelerate economic and social development.

“Social dialogue denotes open and respectful discourse between the key protagonists in the labour sector; the workers, their employers and Government,” said Ms Omamo.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Trade Union Congress–Kenya secretary-general Wilson Sossion said they supported the Head of State’s war against corruption and urged him not to relent.