Atwoli defends Ruto's 12 per cent pay rise, tells employers to comply

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli has defended the 12 per cent general wage increase award by the government, insisting it will become legally binding once gazetted and must be implemented by all employers. 

Atwoli accused the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) of misleading employers by questioning the legality of the directive. 

“Once it is gazetted, it automatically becomes law and enforceable,” Atwoli said, adding that employers are fully aware of the legal implications of such directives. 

He maintained that a presidential wage announcement, once formalised through gazettement, carries the full force of law. 

“The President announced a general wage increase and directed that it be gazetted. That becomes a policy directive to all employers,” he stated. 

Atwoli argued that the increase is distinct from minimum wage adjustments and is meant to protect a broader category of workers, especially those outside union coverage. 

“The majority of Kenyan workers are not unionised. Some are casuals, some are on temporary contracts, and they must be protected,” he said. 

His remarks also directly targeted FKE executive director Jacqueline Mugo, accusing her of consistently opposing government labour policies and delaying implementation of previous wage adjustments. 

“She should not mislead employers. Her continued stay in that position is detrimental to good industrial relations,” Atwoli said. 

In reaction to the pay increase award, Ms Mugo emphasised that businesses are struggling and that the government must balance the interests of workers with the financial survival of employers. 

Atwoli warned that continued resistance from FKE could strain relations between employers, workers and the government. 

“We urge employers not to listen to those press statements. Once the notice is gazetted, it must be implemented,” he said. 

He said the government has a battery of economic advisors, and hence President Ruto must have been properly briefed before awarding the 12 per cent pay increase. 

Atwoli further confirmed that Cotu would implement the increase internally.

“We are also employers, and we will implement it,” he noted.