Government Announces Significant Minimum Wage Increase

President William Ruto has announced a 6% increase in minimum wages across various sectors. This decision, set to take effect on November 1, 2024, was officially communicated through a gazette notice issued on Friday, October 11, bearing the signature of Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua.

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Dr. Mutua emphasized the importance of this wage increase, stating:

The announcement comes after months of intricate negotiations involving the government, trade unions, and employers. The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU) (K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli said that the minimum wage increase was a significant step towards improving livelihoods of Kenyan workers.

Initially, there was resistance from employers who insisted on the establishment of the National Wages Council before any discussions on wage increments could proceed.

In response to this demand, Dr. Mutua took the initiative to gazette the council along with several others, effectively paving the way for structured negotiations.

The new wage schedule, as outlined in the Labour Institutions Act Cap 234, introduces a range of increases across different job categories:

Unskilled and Essential Workers

Unskilled employees: Ksh7,997 per month (Ksh335 per day)

Stockmen and herdsmen: Ksh9,235 per month (Ksh391 per day)

Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers

House servants and cooks: Minimum of Ksh9,129 monthly

Farm foremen and clerks: Ksh14,427 monthly

Farm artisans, tractor drivers, and lorry drivers: Between Ksh9,000 and Ksh11,000 per month

General Laborers and Service Workers

General laborers (including cleaners, gardeners, watchmen): Ksh16,113.75 monthly (Ksh775 per day)

Miners, waiters, cooks, loggers: Ksh17,402.97 monthly (Ksh836.50 per day)

Night watchmen: Ksh17,976.54 monthly

Manufacturing and Specialized Workers

Machine attendants, sawmill workers, shoe cutters: Ksh18,263.27 monthly (Ksh877 per day)

Machinists, vehicle service workers, junior clerks: Ksh20,848.40 monthly

Printing operators, shop assistants, light van drivers: Ksh21,748.87 monthly

Administrative and Skilled Professionals

Pattern designers, receptionists, storekeepers: Ksh24,818.31 monthly

Tailors and medium-sized vehicle drivers: Ksh27,352.40 monthly

Dyers, crawler tractor drivers, salesmen: Ksh30,196.64 monthly

Saw doctors and building caretakers: Ksh33,416.82 monthly (Ksh1,609 per day)

Cashiers, heavy commercial vehicle drivers: Ksh36,360.92 monthly (Ksh1,750.54 per day)

This wage adjustment is not confined to a single sector but extends across the economy, encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, and various other industries. President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment by saying that the government is dedicated to addressing the economic challenges faced by vulnerable employees.