The Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) has signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Del Monte Kenya Limited, covering the period from 2025 to 2027. The agreement promises to enhance the welfare of about 7,000 workers through salary increments and improved benefits.
The signing ceremony, held on Tuesday, was presided over by KPAWU General Secretary Francis Atwoli, accompanied by Deputy General Secretary Thomas Kipkemboi and branch-level union leaders representing Del Monte employees. The Del Monte Kenya management team was led by Managing Director Wayne Cook and Human Resource Manager Gideon Kimutai.
Under the new two-year CBA, workers will enjoy salary increases ranging between 6% and 9%, reflecting a shared commitment between the union and the company to improve the living standards of employees.
In addition to the pay rise, Del Monte has pledged to enhance house allowances and sustain its existing medical and education benefits, which are among the most comprehensive in Kenya’s agricultural sector.
While addressing the gathering, Atwoli commended both parties for their cordial and constructive approach during the negotiation process. He emphasized that the success of the CBA underscores the importance of social dialogue and collective bargaining in fostering industrial harmony and fair labour relations.
“As KPAWU, we wish to assure the management of Del Monte that as long as they promote the welfare of workers, we shall continue supporting them to grow their revenues so that workers can benefit,” said Atwoli.
He reaffirmed KPAWU’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of workers across the plantation and agricultural sector, ensuring that their contributions translate into decent livelihoods and improved working conditions.
The agreement is seen as a milestone in strengthening relations between employers and labour unions within Kenya’s vital agricultural industry.
