Expect a pay rise on Labour Day, Uhuru tells workers
President Uhuru Kenyatta says he will impress upon the private sector to give workers salary increments in the next Labour Day celebrations, in a move that is seen as a campaign strategy.
The President, who faces a united opposition in the general election in August, said a salary increment will motivate workers to produce quality products, which will ensure more customers.
He was speaking when he toured the United Aryan Company, a garment factory which is situated in Baba Dogo Export Processing Zone in Nairobi.
“For the last two years, we have not increased salaries for private sector workers. We are now saying come Labour Day, we will impress on your employers to give you a salary increment,” President Kenyatta said amid cheers and applause from the factory workers.
“However, in return you must do quality work so as to attract more customers for your products,” he added.
“I know the difficulties you face as workers. I am working to fix them and I want the private sector to do their bit,” the President said.
The President also informed the workers that in this years’ budget, the government has waived taxation on bonuses and overtime, saying this will enable Kenyan workers to improve on their lives.
“As the government, we decided to waive taxation on your bonuses and overtime allowances. This is to ensure that you concentrate on your responsibilities of producing quality products, which would in turn attract better markets,” said the President.