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:
“This increase is a vital part of our broader effort to improve working conditions, create decent jobs, and strengthen our economy.”
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.
Breakdown of New Wage Structure
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.