Kenya’s workforce is set to benefit from a 6 per cent rise in the minimum wage, effective from November 1, 2024, following the signing of a crucial gazette notice by Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua.

The notice, signed in the presence of President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, will provide relief to thousands of workers across diverse sectors.

This decision comes after prolonged negotiations involving the government, trade unions, and employers.

Employers had initially called for the formation of the National Wages Council before engaging in discussions on salary increments.

However, after months of consultations, the parties reached an agreement, leading to this significant wage adjustment.

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“Today marks a significant step in our journey toward improving the livelihoods of Kenyan workers. Under the leadership of H.E. President Dr William Ruto, we have implemented a 6 per cent increase in the minimum wage across various sectors, effective from November 1st, 2024,” Dr Mutua announced.

“The signing of the gazette notice, which was witnessed by President Ruto at State House Nairobi, is a testament to our commitment to ensuring fair compensation for all Kenyan workers."

The updated minimum wage structure is set to benefit workers in various industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.

According to the amended wage orders, general labourers, domestic workers, farm employees, artisans, and drivers will all see significant adjustments to their salaries.

Unskilled employees in the agricultural sector, for example, will now receive a monthly wage of Sh7,997.329.

Skilled roles, such as farm clerks and tractor drivers, will also enjoy pay increases, ensuring equitable compensation across the workforce.

The wage schedule is further outlined in Legal Notices No. 163 and 164, which detail the updated Regulation of Wages for both the General and Agricultural sectors.

This gazetted adjustment aims to reflect the current economic environment and improve the standard of living for workers throughout Kenya.

As Mutua emphasised, “This adjustment ensures that the wages reflect the current economic environment and provide a better standard of living."

Among those present at the signing ceremony were representatives from key stakeholders, including the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), led by Secretary General Francis Atwoli, and the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), represented by Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo.

Their involvement underscored the collaborative nature of the negotiations and the shared goal of improving working conditions in the country.

The revised wage schedule under the Labour Institutions Act Cap 234 sets new pay standards for various professions.

Unskilled employees will earn a minimum of Sh7,997 per month (Sh335 per day), while stockmen and herdsmen will see their wages rise to Sh9,235 per month (Sh391 per day).

Meanwhile, house servants and cooks will now earn a minimum of Sh9,129 per month (Sh347 per day), and farm foremen and clerks will be paid Sh14,427 monthly.

Mutua urged employers to comply with the new wage structure, stating, "As we move forward, I urge all employers to comply with the new wage structure, ensuring that every worker is paid fairly. This increase is a vital part of our broader effort to improve working conditions, create decent jobs, and strengthen our economy."

The gazette notice also applies to other sectors beyond agriculture, including manufacturing, ensuring a broad impact on the national workforce.

The government’s initiative is seen as part of a wider agenda to address economic challenges faced by vulnerable workers in the country.

As the implementation date approaches, workers earning the minimum wage can anticipate improved wages, a much-needed boost in the face of rising living costs.