Atwoli clarifies 12% wage rise after Ruto announcement

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Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has clarified the wage structure following President William Ruto’s announcement of a 12 per cent wage increase for workers.

Speaking to the press, Atwoli said there had been some misunderstanding regarding the President’s announcement during Labour Day celebrations held in Vihiga county, where the Head of State outlined pay adjustments for Kenyan workers across different sectors.

Clarifying the statement, Atwoli said that the adjustment should be understood as a general wage rise and not limited to minimum wage categories.

"I would like to clarify what I said in the press yesterday. The wage increase was not a minimum wage increase. It was a general wage increase," he stated.

President Ruto had announced a 12 per cent increase in wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural workers’ pay, noting that the decision was informed by discussions with labour representatives and economic advisors.

"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 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural wages," Ruto said.

According to Atwoli, the 12 per cent adjustment applies broadly to workers in employment, and should not be confused with a revision of the minimum wage alone.

He explained that the structure of the increase includes both general wage adjustments for workers already employed and a separate minimum wage increment for agricultural workers.

“And what the President himself announced, there is a difference between minimum wage and general wage increase,” Atwoli said.

“15 per cent was a minimum wage for agricultural workers. Their minimum salary was raised by 15 per cent.”

He further clarified that the 12 per cent increment applies to workers across the board, including those already in employment, noting that it is not restricted to new entrants into the labour market.

“Overall, Kenyans, including those who have received the 15 per cent adjustment, including you and me, are entitled to a 12 per cent wage increase. This is a general wage increase,” he said.

He added that the move reflects broader economic improvements and ongoing efforts to raise living standards.

According to him, the wage review was informed by economic advice indicating that a general wage increase would help move workers into a better financial position.

Atwoli also drew comparisons with previous administrations, noting that similar wage adjustments have been implemented in the past during different economic periods.

He pointed out that under former President Kenyatta, workers also benefited from wage increases during periods of economic strain.

He further referenced past administrations, including that of former President Daniel Arap Moi, noting that wage adjustments have historically been used as part of broader economic policy measures.

Atwoli urged against misinterpretation of the current wage structure, insisting that the 12 per cent increase should be seen in its full context as a general adjustment aimed at improving earnings for a wide section of workers.

“Let it not be mistaken that the increase announced by the President was only minimum wage. This is money that will help Kenyans more than anything else,” he said.

He encouraged workers to calculate the impact of the increase on their salaries, arguing that even a 12 per cent adjustment represents a significant improvement in take-home pay.

Atwoli also commended the government for the decision, describing it as a positive step for workers and the economy.