January 2025 has witnessed a series of successful negotiations and Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) facilitated by the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), contributing to stronger and more harmonious industrial relations in Kenya.
On January 21, 2025, the Kenya Chemical Workers and Allied Unions and SAJ Ceramics Ltd. reached a significant milestone with the successful negotiation of their CBA. The agreement was formally signed by Atul Parmar, Managing Director of SAJ Ceramics Ltd., and Peter Ouko, National General Secretary of the Union. Mr. Andrew Masese, Senior Industrial Relations Officer at FKE, expertly led the negotiations, marking another great step forward for industrial relations in the country.
Earlier in the month, on January 17, 2025, the Timber Industries Employers Association and the Kenya Building, Construction, Timber, Furniture, and Allied Industries Employees Union also successfully signed their own CBA at FKE’s headquarters in Bishop Gardens. Facilitated by Mr. Robert Muthanga, Senior Industrial Relations Officer at FKE, the agreement addressed a wage increment over the next two years. Mr. Chetan Sha signed on behalf of the Employers Association, while Mr. Mosese Obura signed on behalf of the Employees Union. Both parties expressed optimism that the agreement would contribute to a more productive and harmonious working environment moving forward.
On January 16, 2025, two more significant CBAs were signed. The first was between Pressmaster Africa Limited Union and the Kenya Union of Printing, Publishing, Paper Manufacturers, Pulp & Packaging Industries. This agreement is a step forward in fostering a collaborative environment where both employers and employees can thrive.
Also on January 16, Surgipham Limited successfully signed a CBA with the Kenya Union of Commercial, Food, and Allied Workers. Moderated by Mr. Andrew Masese, the agreement, which took effect on January 1, 2025, will remain in force for two years. This agreement, like the others, highlights the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation in strengthening working relationships within the Kenyan industrial landscape.
These developments signify a positive trend in industrial relations in Kenya, where employers and employees continue to work together to create fairer, more productive, and harmonious working environments. The Federation of Kenya Employers remains committed to facilitating such constructive agreements across various sectors, building a stronger and more resilient workforce for the future.