The Kenyan government has officially announced new wage standards for general laborers, reflecting the 6% minimum wage increase that President William Ruto outlined during Labor Day celebrations on May 1, 2024. This new wage structure is set to take effect on November 1 and will impact workers across all sectors.
Labor and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua issued the notice under The Labor Institutions Act. He emphasized that the wage increase is crucial for improving the livelihoods of Kenyan workers in light of current economic conditions. “This adjustment ensures that wages align with economic conditions and improve the standard of living,” Mutua explained.
The gazette notice, signed in the presence of President Ruto, highlights the government’s commitment to fair compensation for workers. The wage revision is the result of extensive consultations between the Ministry of Labor and various trade unions, which have been advocating for better pay to help workers cope with rising costs of living.
Under the new structure, unskilled workers will earn a minimum wage of KES 7,997 per month or KES 335 per day. Stockmen and herdsmen will see their wages increase to KES 9,235 monthly, while farm foremen and clerks will now receive KES 14,427. Senior foremen and farm artisans are set to earn KES 9,339 and KES 9,558 per month, respectively.
Drivers in the agricultural sector will also benefit from the wage adjustments. Lorry drivers will now make KES 496 daily or KES 11,718 per month, while combine harvester drivers will earn KES 473 per day or KES 11,166 per month. Tractor drivers’ wages will rise to KES 430 daily, reflecting the government’s intention to standardize pay across different categories of workers.
Additionally, domestic workers such as house servants and cooks are set to earn KES 9,129 monthly. These changes are part of the government’s broader plan to enhance the livelihoods of workers, especially those in lower-income brackets.
The government hopes that this wage increase will help mitigate the effects of the rising cost of living and ensure fair compensation for laborers. “We are committed to improving the welfare of all workers,” Mutua added, reiterating the government’s dedication to protecting workers’ rights.
