Atwoli calls for moderate wage increment for all workers

Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Monday, Atwoli stated that the high cost of living is overburdening Kenyans on the financial front and the increment will bolster many households as government works on flattening the selling economic curve. 

"I know we are in both political and economic quagmire but bearing in mind that all of us including workers are involved in the restructuring of the economy," said Atwoli.

"Your incentive to these workers is only in one form, a consideration of a moderate general wage increase."

The COTU boss went on to laud President Ruto for creating reforms in increasing the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) contributions, noting that they will help secure the lives of many Kenyans.

Atwoli noted that NSSF contributions will curb old-age poverty for retired persons since the contributions will be sufficient to sustain them.

"We are glad that we are part and parcel of the 6% and we know for sure that when we exit from being employees we will be able to benefit from that," he said.

On NHIF he added: "COTU thanks you for appointing a new chair and a board of the NHIF. We are sure that they will lead the board into making new reforms and making sure that NHIF is closer to its mandate and assists Kenyans from all shades."

In February, NSSF contributions were increased from a flat rate of Ksh.200. This is a 6% deduction on their monthly income, and a similar contribution from employers, making it a total of 12% per month. 

Under the NSSF Act 2013, an employee is expected to contribute 6% of their salaries to the NSSF and another 6% to be matched by their employer.

An employee in Tier I – earning Ksh.6,000 per month – should be deducted Ksh.360 per month, and their employer to pay a similar amount making it a total of Ksh.720.