The long-awaited signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for Horticulture, Floriculture and Botanical (HFB) sectors was successfully signed in Khwisero Kakamega County. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Francis Atwoli, the Union General Secretary, alongside the Association CEO Mr. Wesley Siele, the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Chairman, Mr. Tom Ochieng and Mr. George Ongany.
The negotiations culminated in a landmark agreement securing single-digit wage increases for each year over the next two years. This outcome was hailed as a balanced and sustainable approach, ensuring workers’ welfare is enhanced while safeguarding the financial stability of employers in the sector.
A key highlight of this achievement is that the agreement was finalized within September, sparing implementers from the burden of paying more wage arrears that would have arisen had the signing been delayed into the following month. The conclusion has therefore been described as a landslide win for both employers and employees.
In addition, the parties entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide implementing members with the official green light to proceed with CBA implementation while awaiting its formal registration in court. This ensures a smooth transition and immediate effect of the agreed terms without procedural delays.
Speaking during the signing, the leadership on both sides commended the spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue that made it possible to conclude the negotiations amicably. The successful signing now sets the stage for the next phase which is a structured implementation across all workplaces under the agreement.