Workers at Kakuzi Plc are set to have a promising New Year following the successful negotiation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU).
The newly signed CBA stipulates that over 3,350 employees at Kakuzi’s Makuyu operations site will receive a significant 16 percent wage increase over the next two years, starting from January 2024. This represents a substantial boost for the workforce.
Chris Flowers, the Managing Director of Kakuzi PLC, reiterated the company’s commitment to prioritizing its employees’ welfare.
He said Kakuzi’s will keep its employees with excellent working conditions and ensure they receive benefits that promote their professional growth and satisfaction.
Flowers commended the collaborative efforts of Dr. Atwoli and the KPAWU Leadership in finalizing the CBA negotiations.
“Kakuzi PLC appreciates the joint effort of Dr. Atwoli and the KPAWU Leadership in concluding the CBA discussions. As a responsible organization, our employees’ welfare is our utmost priority. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to providing a safe work environment and nurturing robust relationships between the company, our workforce, and the Union.”
He also highlighted Kakuzi’s commitment to aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
The successful negotiation of the updated CBA was the result of a series of discussions between Kakuzi officials, led by the General Manager of Human Resources, Dr. Wilson Odiyo, and representatives from KPAWU, led by General Secretary Dr. Francis Atwoli and Deputy General Secretary Thomas Kipkemboi.
Dr. Atwoli, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), called on local businesses to be mindful of the challenges facing unionized workers in the current economic climate.
He emphasized the need for corporations to honor their commitments in CBA negotiations promptly, advocating for a balanced approach in the face of national and global economic realities.
