Kenya Announces 6% Minimum Wage Increase With Implementation A Big Headache
Wage increases are set to provide much-needed relief to thousands of Kenyan workers, as President William Ruto announced a 6% increase in minimum wages across multiple sectors.
The announcement was made in a gazette notice issued on Friday, October 11, signed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua.
Mutu argued that the wage increase is a critical step toward improving employees’ living standards and will take effect on November 1, 2024.
This decision came after months of negotiations between the government, trade unions, and employers.
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— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) October 12, 2024
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
Initially, employers pushed for the establishment of the National Wages Council as a prerequisite for wage increase discussions.
In response, Dr. Mutua gazetted the council along with several others, paving the way for formal negotiations.
The new wage schedule, outlined in the Labour Institutions Act Cap 234, establishes the minimum monthly wage for unskilled employees at Ksh7,997, which equates to Ksh335 per day.
Stockmen and herders will see their monthly earnings increase to Ksh9,235, which is equivalent to Ksh391 daily. These increases are a significant step toward recognizing the hard work of these critical roles.
Skilled and semi-skilled workers will also see significant wage increases. House servants and cooks will now earn a minimum of Ksh9,129 per month, while farm foremen will earn Ksh14,427.
In addition, farm clerks will earn the same amount, with other positions such as farm artisans, tractor drivers, and truck drivers seeing wages set between Ksh9,000 and Ksh11,000 per month.
This wage adjustment is not limited to agriculture; it also applies to manufacturing and other industries, resulting in widespread increases throughout the economy.
The government has emphasised its commitment to improving the well-being of workers, particularly those earning the minimum wage.
President Ruto reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing the economic challenges faced by vulnerable employees.
The announcement was made in front of key social partners.
They included COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) CEO Jacqueline Mugo, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this significant wage reform.
COTU (K) WELCOMES PRESIDENTβS 6% MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
— Francis Atwoli NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS. (@AtwoliDza) October 12, 2024
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K) is pleased to acknowledge the recent announcement by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, raising the minimum wage by 6%. This increase is a⦠pic.twitter.com/MdhV38xUg7
With the new wage structure set to take effect in November, minimum wage earners can expect higher pay as the cost of living rises.
In May, President Ruto urged the Ministry of Labour to hold a meeting with relevant labour relations committees to discuss a minimum wage increase of at least 6%.
This directive is part of the government’s larger initiative to improve the welfare of workers across various sectors.
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At the 59th International Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens National Stadium, Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to economic growth and the well-being of all citizens.
He discussed the significant progress made in managing inflation, stabilising the currency, and addressing the national debt.
βOur economic policies have also lowered the prices of basic goods, easing pressure on workers,β Ruto noted.
He assured citizens that the government is actively working to improve their livelihoods.
Kenya Announces 6% Minimum Wage Increase With Implementation A Big Headache
