- Atwoli wants deductions done from basic salary, not gross income.
- Says taxing allowances and bonuses punishes dedicated workers.
- Urges President Ruto to support policy review for fair taxation.
COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has raised fresh concerns over how Kenyan workers are taxed, urging the government to rethink its current model. Speaking at the Labour Day event held at Uhuru Gardens, he appealed to President William Ruto to lead the way in adjusting the tax system to only deduct from basic salaries.
Atwoli insisted that the current approach, where workers are taxed on gross pay—including bonuses, overtime, and allowances—is unfair. He noted that such practices leave hardworking employees demoralized and financially drained despite going the extra mile.
Rewarding Extra Effort Shouldn’t Be Punished
He particularly took issue with deductions linked to the Housing Levy and the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), saying they should not touch extra earnings. According to him, workers end up with empty pockets at the end of the month, even after putting in extra hours.
“After all these deductions, most workers walk home with almost nothing. That’s not just—it’s exploitation,” he told the crowd.
Outsourced Labour a Growing Concern
Atwoli also turned the spotlight on the increasing trend of outsourcing labour. He warned that this move may have long-term effects on revenue collection if outsourced workers are not subjected to the same statutory obligations as formally employed Kenyans.
He called on the government to create a level playing field in employment policies, ensuring fairness and accountability regardless of contract terms.
Economic Independence and Patriotism Needed
Drawing inspiration from Donald Trump’s past policies focused on self-sufficiency, Atwoli urged Kenya to embrace a similar model by prioritizing local manufacturing and building domestic capacity.
He stressed that true independence comes from within, and Kenya must stop relying too heavily on foreign markets and ideas if it wants to thrive economically.
Clampdown on Toxic Digital Spaces
The COTU boss didn’t hold back on the influence of digital platforms either. He raised concerns about the increasing use of social media to push false narratives and create division, saying such misuse could destabilize the nation.
He urged lawmakers to introduce firmer regulations for digital spaces, citing China, the UAE, the U.K., and the U.S. as countries that have taken control of their online environments.
“This is our only home. Let’s protect it with our words and actions,” Atwoli concluded, emphasizing the value of unity and responsible communication in the digital age.
