Unionisable Kakuzi Plc employees set to receive a 15% wage increase as union negotiations successfully close
The wage increment, covering the 2026/27 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) period, will see more than 3,500 Kakuzi unionisable employees receive an 8% increase for the 2026 financial year and 7% for the 2027 financial year.
Nairobi, Kenya - Union employes at agribusiness firm Kakuzi Plc are set to receive a 15% wage increase as negotiations with the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) come to a successful conclusion. The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) will come into effect starting January 2026, with the wage increase to be implemented gradually over the 2026/27 period.
Out of the 3,500 unionisable Kakuzi employees, more than half will see an 8% increase for the 2026 financial year, followed by a 7% rise in the 2027 financial year.
Kakuzi Plc's Managing Director, Mr Chris Flowers, emphasized the company's commitment to the welfare of its human resources, even amid challenging operating conditions. He further stated that the firm will continue exploring avenues of mutual cooperation with KPAWU, such as employee training and capacity development initiatives, to maximize value.
The updated CBA is a result of extensive negotiations led by Kakuzi's Human Resources Manager Annastacia Mwenzwa and Chief Shop Steward Mr Patrick Muchuma, alongside KPAWU officials like General Secretary Dr Francis Atwoli and Deputy General Secretary Thomas Kipkemboi. Mr Flowers expressed gratitude for the union's efforts in securing a favorable deal for the unionisable workers and confirmed that the 8% increment for this year will be paid in arrears alongside September 2026 wages, pending registration at the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
The signing of the updated CBA follows Kakuzi Plc's recent investment in agricultural technology (Ag-Tech) adoption. The firm has launched a dedicated Digital Agricultural Transformation Department, headed by a Digital Agricultural Transformation Manager, to expedite the integration of technology into its operations. This move is aimed at enhancing climate-smart agriculture and addressing international market risks faced by the company and Kenyan export agriculture.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
