COTU Lauds PAYE Relief To Workers Earning Below 32000

COTU Lauds PAYE Relief for Workers Earning Below KSh 32,000

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has welcomed President William Ruto’s declaration to exempt workers earning KSh 32,000 and below from Pay As You Earn (PAYE), a move expected to provide financial relief to low-income earners.

The announcement, made during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, has drawn attention to the government’s taxation policy and its impact on workers struggling with the rising cost of living.

COTU’s support for the proposed tax relief reflects the union’s longstanding calls for measures that increase workers’ disposable income and protect low-paid employees from excessive taxation.

If implemented, the exemption would allow eligible workers to retain a larger portion of their monthly salaries, potentially easing pressure on households facing expenses such as food, rent, transport and education.

The declaration also places taxation at the centre of ongoing discussions about workers’ welfare and the government’s commitment to improving living standards. For many employees, the amount deducted from their salaries directly affects their ability to meet basic needs and support their families.

However, the practical impact of the announcement will depend on the implementation framework, including the effective date and the necessary legal or administrative changes. Workers will be looking to the relevant authorities for clarification on eligibility and how the proposed exemption will be applied.

The development could also influence wider discussions between the government, employers and labour representatives over wages, taxation and economic recovery.

As COTU welcomes the proposed relief, attention is likely to shift towards the steps required to turn the presidential declaration into an effective policy.

For workers earning KSh 32,000 and below, the proposed exemption represents a potentially significant change in take-home pay. Its success will ultimately depend on clear implementation and whether the intended beneficiaries receive the promised relief.

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