Expect higher salaries after Labour Day, Uhuru tells workers

President Uhuru Kenyatta during a tour of the United Aryan (EPZ) Ltd facility at Babadogo, Nairobi, April 12, 2017. /PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta during a tour of the United Aryan (EPZ) Ltd facility at Babadogo, Nairobi, April 12, 2017. /PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he will impress upon the private sector to increase workers salaries during this year's Labour Day.

The President, when he toured the United Aryan Company, said salary increment will motivate workers to produce quality products.

United Aryan is a garment factory situated at the Baba Dogo export processing zone, Nairobi.

"For the last two years, we have not increased salaries for private sector workers."

"On Labour Day, we will press upon your employers to increase your salaries," Uhuru said amid applause from the factory workers.

"However, you must do quality work in return so as to attract more customers for your products," he added.

The President said difficulties workers face will be fixed, further urging the private sector to do their bit.

He also informed workers that the government has waived taxation on bonuses and overtime in this year's budget.

"This is to ensure that you concentrate on your responsibilities of producing quality products which will, in turn, attract better markets."

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli on April 9 asked the government to ensure that rising standards of living are addressed.

Atwoli said the President should ensure he addresses the needs of the workers before he asks for their votes.

"We will show up for the Labour Day celebrations ready to receive what President Uhuru Kenyatta has for us, but he should know that we have problems. We will make our decisions depending on what we are offered," Atwoli said.

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Uhuru asked workers to register with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to enable them access quality medical services.

"We want to do away with Harambees so that every citizen can access proper medical care for their well-being," he said.

The President thanked the United Aryan company workers for their quality work, adding that it will help deal with the proliferation of second-hand clothes.

Recently, Uhuru led citizens in the 'Buy Kenya, Build Kenya' campaign at KICC where hundreds lined up to buy locally produced garments.

He said similar super sales will be held in Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Isiolo among other towns.

During the sale at KICC, Kenyans had the opportunity to buy new high-quality clothes at prices ranging from Sh100 to Sh600.

The same clothes are sold at Sh6,000 in the United States and United Kingdom markets.

The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Adan Mohammed (Industrialisation) and Joseph Nkaissery (Interior) among other government officials.

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