Kenya minimum wage increment over the years

President William Ruto defied calls by unions to declare a 22.5 per cent wage increment and instead offered workers six per cent.

The Head of State made the announcement when he led the country in celebrating the 59th Labour Day at Uhuru Gardens.

Cotu Secretary General Franci Atwoli had earlier requested the President to consider raising the minimum wage by 22.5 per cent.

This is even as the employers warned against raising the minimum wage, claiming they have no money to sustain higher pay.

The President directed Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore to convene a Labour Council meeting to give effect to the six per cent increase.

by WILLIAM WANYOIKE