Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has given newly established wage councils a critical deadline of 7 to 10 days to finalize discussions on implementing a 6 percent increase in the minimum wage.
Announced earlier this year by President William Ruto during Labour Day celebrations, this wage boost aims to address rising living costs and improve the livelihoods of Kenyan workers.
Dr. Mutua’s directive comes just four months after President Ruto’s call for a wage adjustment. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is now working to ensure that this increase is realized promptly. The newly gazetted wage councils, including the General Wages Council and the Agricultural Wages Council, are tasked with determining a fair and sustainable minimum wage across various sectors.
These councils are expected to finalize the wage increase, which will see the minimum monthly salary for Kenyan workers rise between Ksh 486.59 and Ksh 2,058.17. For instance, a worker earning Ksh 13,500 will see their salary increase to Ksh 15,120.
Dr. Mutua emphasized that the wage councils, which include representatives from agriculture, seafarers, and other key industries, have been given a tight deadline to ensure that the wage increase is both equitable and effective.
“I have directed the various entities to meet and present their proposals on this increase so we can gazette it promptly,” Mutua stated
This adjustment represents a significant commitment to enhancing workers’ financial well-being amid rising costs of living. The last major change to Kenya’s minimum wage occurred in 2022 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
In addition to addressing wage issues, Dr. Mutua announced the gazettement of several new councils aimed at improving labour sector harmony. During a press briefing, he inaugurated the General Wages Council and the Agricultural Wages Council, which will play crucial roles in resolving labour disputes and setting fair wages. The General Wages Council, led by Wakili Bernard Mung’ata, will address wage determination, a process previously hampered by delays. One of its immediate tasks is to finalize the 6 percent wage increase.
The National Labour Board, chaired by David Siele, will serve as an advisory body, providing guidance on all labour-related matters to Dr. Mutua. Additionally, the Seafarers Wages Council and Protective Securities Council were also gazetted, underscoring the government’s dedication to addressing wage concerns across diverse sectors.
Accompanied by Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, Dr. Mutua highlighted the role of these councils in ensuring fairness, protecting workers’ rights, and contributing to economic stability. The government’s comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate wage concerns but also aims to foster a more balanced and prosperous working environment for Kenyan workers.
As part of its broader strategy, the government also plans to launch nationwide roadshows to promote awareness about overseas job opportunities, further demonstrating its commitment to expanding employment prospects for Kenyans.
“We plan to launch nationwide roadshows to raise awareness about overseas job opportunities,” CS Mutua said