Kenya raises minimum workers wage by 12 pct

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday raised the minimum workers wage by 12 percent.

Kenyatta, who presided over this year's International Labour Day celebrations in Nairobi, said the raise is aimed at alleviating the plight of the lower strata of the Kenyan workforce.

"Last year we did not increase the minimum wage because we said we should work first. Today, we have increased the minimum wage because we have earned it," Kenyatta told workers who turned up for the celebrations in central Nairobi.

Kenyatta said his government would like to increase workers' pay based on productivity as opposed to the economic performance.

"It is important to understand that all our efforts are required to build and improve our country's economy. The investor needs to understand that he cannot make profits without the worker. And that the worker cannot get salary without an employer," said the President.

He also assured that the government is also working to enforce parity and equity in the terms, conditions of salaries of public servants.

As the government moves to improve the welfare of the Kenyan worker, Kenyatta said the clamor for increased pay should not only be pegged on the cost of living but also on the level of productivity of the worker.

He appealed to workers both in public and private sectors to double their productivity to boost economic growth and justify future pay increments.

The president called on all Kenyans to join hands in building a strong and prosperous nation. He urged leaders to focus on serving Kenyans and shun utterances that divide the country. Endi