State approves 6 per cent minimum wage increase effective November

Thousands of workers in Kenya can expect relief as the government announces a 6 per cent increase in the minimum wage across various sectors.

The wage hike, which will take effect on November 1, 2024, was officially communicated through a gazette notice issued on Friday, October 11.

The notice, signed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, described the increase as a crucial step towards improving the living conditions of workers.

"This adjustment is part of our ongoing efforts to uplift the standards of employees," he said.

The decision to raise wages followed months of negotiations between the government, trade unions, and employers.

Employers initially pushed for the establishment of the National Wages Council before wage discussions could proceed.

In response, CS Mutua gazetted the council, enabling structured talks that culminated in the 6 per cent increase.

The new wage structure, governed by the Labour Institutions Act Cap 234, stipulates that unskilled workers will now earn a minimum of Sh7,997 monthly, which translates to Sh335 daily.

Stockmen and herdsmen will see their wages rise to Sh9,235 per month, equating to Sh391 per day. These adjustments are seen as an important recognition of the essential roles played by these workers.

Skilled and semi-skilled employees will also benefit from notable pay increases. House servants and cooks will earn a minimum of Sh9,129 per month, while farm foremen will see their monthly pay set at Sh14,427.

Farm clerks will earn the same amount, and other positions such as farm artisans, tractor drivers, and lorry drivers will now have wages ranging from Sh9,000 to Sh11,000 per month.

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐔𝐌 𝐖𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐒.

Today marks a significant step in our journey toward improving the livelihoods of Kenyan workers. Under the leadership of H.E. President Dr. @WilliamsRuto, we have implemented a 6% increase in the minimum wage… pic.twitter.com/LV2i9lKEay

— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) October 12, 2024

The wage increase is not confined to the agricultural sector. It extends to industries such as manufacturing, ensuring that the benefits are felt across the broader economy.

During this year's Labour Day celebration, President William Ruto affirmed the government's commitment to addressing the economic challenges faced by workers, particularly those earning minimum wages.

"This is part of our broader strategy to tackle the rising cost of living and ensure that all workers receive fair compensation," he said.

The announcement was made in the presence of key stakeholders, including COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) CEO Jacqueline Mugo.

Their involvement highlights the collaborative effort behind this significant wage reform.

Workers earning the minimum wage can now look forward to higher pay starting in November, offering some relief in the face of a challenging economic climate.