• In October 2024, the government announced a 6% minimum wage for Kenyan workers in various sectors.
• Labor Cabinet Secretary (CS), Alfred Mutua, said the minimum wage increase would come into effect on November 1, 2024.
• The new changes to the minimum wage will see domestic workers and guards in Nairobi and other major cities pocket at least KSh16,113.75 from their November 2024 salary.
• Jacqueline Mugo, CEO of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), confirmed to TUKO.co.ke that her members have implemented the necessary adjustments to comply with the new requirements.

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over five years of experience in financial matters, businesstechnology and climate, which provides in-depth insight into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Employers have implemented changes to the minimum wage that will allow workers to accommodate, security guards and drivers, among others, earn at least KSh16,113.75 per month.

The Wages Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, published in November 2024, advocates for a 6% increase in minimum wage for Kenyans working in various sectors.

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When will the minimum wage come into effect?

The new minimum wage changes will see domestic workers and guards in Nairobi, Mombasa and other major cities pocket at least KSh16,113.75 from their November 2024 salary.

Addressed exclusively to TUKO.co.keFederation of Kenya Employers (FKE) CEO Jacqueline Mugo has confirmed that FKE members have implemented the necessary adjustments to comply with the new minimum wage requirements.

“The FKE lobbied for the 6% not to be applied retrospectively and for employers to have one month to adjust their payrolls. The government adopted the position which led to the publication of the new ordinance in October 2024,” Mugo said.

Mugo highlighted that the FKE presented the employers’ position, which highlights the economic situation prevailing in different companies and the challenges caused by high labor costs.

The federation called for a limitation of proposals to increase the legal minimum wage to a maximum of 6%, as pronounced by the president. William Ruto during Labor Day celebrations in May 2024.

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Labor Cabinet Secretary (CS), Alfred Mutua, said the minimum wage increase would come into effect on November 1, 2024.

What other categories will benefit?

The wage increase covers a range of job categories, including unskilled workers, drivers and others jobs.

CS Mutua said the changes were aimed at ensure that all employees of the sector receive fair remuneration.

For example, an unskilled employee will earn a minimum monthly salary of KSh7,997.33, or KSh335.86 per day.

A herder or shepherd, who usually looks after livestock, will see their salary increase to KSh 9,235.78 per month, or KSh 391.14 per day.

Proofread by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and editor at TUKO.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke