Sweet victory: 16% pay boost for over 3,000 Kakuzi workers
Over 3,350 unionized workers at fruit exporter Kakuzi have received a 16 percent pay increase following the signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU).
The increase, which will be spread over the next two years, will be effective starting January 2024.
Kakuzi 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.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company is pursuing several initiatives to enhance its continued commitment to its ESG principles, Mr. Flowers added.
“While we acknowledge that the business has to be sustainable to provide decent jobs, we also must recognize our broader responsibilities to lift others as we grow,” Mr. Flowers said. “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,” Mr. Flowers explained.
Read also: Kakuzi’s fourth ESG report charts a course for responsibility
Marketing avocados
The pay agreement with the Kenyan superfoods producer follows a recent round of talks between Kakuzi and KPAWU led by General Secretary Dr. Francis Atwoli and Deputy General Secretary Thomas Kipkemboi.
With headoffices in Makuyu, Murang’a County, Kakuzi is involved in the cultivation, processing, and marketing of avocados, blueberries, macadamia, tea, livestock, and commercial forestry.
Speaking in Nakuru during the signing ceremony, Dr. Atwoli, who is also the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary-General, implored local enterprises to remain considerate of the plight of unionized workers in light of the prevailing economic challenges.
“I want to thank Kakuzi management for a positive response to KPAWU proposals and being considerate of the unionized workers in a shared prosperity model,” Dr. Atwoli said.
