Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has urged the Kenyan government to reform the tax deductions system to benefit workers, calling for a shift in how deductions are applied to employees’ salaries. Atwoli made the remarks during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Thursday, highlighting the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of Kenyan workers.
The trade union leader emphasized that monthly deductions should only be applied to workers’ basic salaries and not their gross pay. He explained that many workers are burdened by deductions that are taken from their gross pay, which includes overtime, allowances, and bonuses. According to Atwoli, this approach unfairly reduces workers’ take-home pay, particularly for those who work extra hours or earn performance-based incentives. “All salary and statutory deductions should be on basic pay and not on gross, where someone who has toiled very hard on overtime does not realize something,” he said.
Atwoli’s call comes at a time when many Kenyans have expressed frustration over the increasing tax burden imposed by President William Ruto’s government. This has been compounded by the introduction of new levies, such as the Housing Levy and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which have added to the financial strain of many citizens.
The COTU boss also extended his advocacy to media regulation, stressing the importance of patriotism and the responsible use of digital platforms. He called for the regulation of social media, drawing parallels with countries like China, Dubai, the UK, and the US, where digital platforms are heavily monitored. Atwoli emphasized that Kenya should not remain “free for all” in the digital space, urging for measures that would protect national interests and curb the misuse of online platforms.
As the debate around tax deductions and media regulation intensifies, Atwoli’s statements offer a glimpse into the ongoing conversation about workers’ rights and the challenges posed by modern governance in Kenya.
