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Kenyan president raises minimum wage by 12 percent
CGTN
FILE PHOTO: Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. (Photo by Nicholas Kamm / AFP via CFP)

FILE PHOTO: Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. (Photo by Nicholas Kamm / AFP via CFP)

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday announced an increase of the country's minimum wage by 12 percent effective immediately.

Kenyatta made the declaration during his speech at his country's 57th Labor Day celebrations held in the capital, Nairobi.

"I today declare an increase of minimum wage by 12 per cent with effect from May 1, 2022, I mean today," he said.

"I call on the private sector, please let us work in the same spirit. Let us all make the adjustments that will sustain the wellness of our labor force. Let us sacrifice a portion of our profits," he added.

Following the president's declaration, Kenyans earning the minimum wage will now receive Ksh 1,620 more.

The initial minimum wage was pegged at Ksh 13,500 (about 116.5 U.S. dollars) since its last review in 2018. Upon the implementation of the new directive, the minimum wage stands at Ksh 15,120 (about 130.59 U.S. dollars) now. 

The 2022 Labor Day in Kenya was marked under the theme: "Political change for industrial peace, stability and job creation."

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