World

Kenya boosts minimum wage as inflation bites

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Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Sunday a 12 per cent hike in the minimum wage as the country confronts a surge in the cost of living. Inflation in the East African economic powerhouse jumped to a seven-month high in April, mainly as a result of skyrocketing fuel and food prices, according to official figures.

"As a caring government, we find there is a compelling case to review the minimum wages so as to cushion our workers against further erosions'', Kenyatta said at a Labour Day rally. He said the 12 per cent increase would come into effect from May 1. It takes the minimum monthly wage from 13,500 Kenyan shillings to 15,120 shillings ($130.5). — AFP