Unionisable workers at Kakuzi Plc, the listed agribusiness and superfoods producer have received a 16 percent pay rise effective this month for the next two years.
This follows the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU).
"Following the signing of the new CBA, the more than 3,350 workers at Kakuzi’s Makuyu operations site will enjoy a 16 percent general wage increase over the next two years, effective January 2024,''
Kakuzi PLC managing director Chris Flowers said the firm would continue prioritizing its human capital welfare by providing quality working conditions, rewards, and benefits to enable its staff teams to attain their full potential.
He added that the firm is pursuing several initiatives to enhance its continued commitment to its ESG principles.
"While we acknowledge that the business has to be sustainable to provide decent jobs, we also must recognise our broader responsibilities to lift others as we grow,'' Flowers said.
He thanked the support from Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli and the KPAWU Leadership extended to complete the CBA negotiations successfully.
"As a responsible company, our employees’ welfare is paramount, and this signing affirms our commitment to continue providing a safe workplace while maintaining good relationships between the company, employees and the Union,” Flowers said.
Speaking in Nakuru during the signing ceremony, Atwoli implored local enterprises to remain considerate of the plight of unionisable workers in light of the prevailing economic challenges.
Remaining considerate, he noted, will include corporate commitments to clear CBA negotiations in time as the Union continues to pursue a win-win strategy cognizant of the national and global economic challenges.
“I want to thank Kakuzi management for a positive response to KPAWU proposals and being considerate of the unionisable workers in a shared prosperity model,” Atwoli said.
