President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered minimum wage for workers to be increased by 14 per cent with immediate effect.
He reiterated that his government would work towards reducing the cost of basic commodities and promote Small and Medium Enterprises.
Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Park on Wednesday, the President also urged Kenyans in the diaspora to continue investing in local banks to boost the economy.
He noted that industrial protests have recently been on the rise but assured workers that the government would protect their rights.
Deputy President William Ruto also said factors affecting workers such as healthcare and housing are a priority for the two leaders.
Earlier, Francis Atwoli, chairman of the Central Organisation of Trade Union said he was against the move by the Salaries Commission to downgrade MP's salaries.
He said this would set a precedent for employers to do the same to their workers.
His stand on the MPs salaries has been controversial with lobby groups criticising him for defending the MPs’ demands for a pay rise and calling for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to be disbanded. (READ: Lobby group hits at Atwoli for defending MPs payrise)
Boniface Mwangi, an activist, was arrested during the event as he tried to disrupt Mr Atwoli's speech. He had tweeted the previous day that he would be expressing his displeasure with the push by MPs to increase their salaries.
"If MPs have a problem with their working terms let them resign and we can vote afresh. No to parliamentary dictatorship," he wrote.
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