Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi Plc has reached a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), ensuring a 15% salary increment for over 3,500 unionisable employees over the 2026/2027 financial period.
The wage increase will be implemented in two phases: an 8% rise starting January 2026 and a subsequent 7% increment in 2027. The initial increment will be backdated with arrears paid alongside September 2026 salaries, subject to registration by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Negotiations and Leadership
The agreement follows extensive discussions between Kakuzi’s management team, led by Human Resources Manager Annastacia Mwenzwa, and KPAWU officials under General Secretary Dr. Francis Atwoli. Kakuzi Managing Director Chris Flowers expressed appreciation for the union’s role in securing the deal and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to employee welfare despite challenging economic conditions.
Strategic Outlook
Beyond the wage increase, Kakuzi plans to enhance collaboration with KPAWU on employee training and capacity building. The company is also accelerating its adoption of agricultural technologies through a newly established digital agricultural transformation department. This initiative supports Kakuzi’s shift towards climate-smart farming and aims to diversify products and markets in response to global export risks.
- 15% total salary increment over two years (8% in 2026, 7% in 2027)
- More than 3,500 unionisable employees to benefit
- Backdated arrears included with September 2026 salaries
- Focus on employee training and technology-driven agriculture
