Relief for workers as Gov't raises minimum wage by 6%

The government is set to increase the minimum wage from November 1, 2024, as part of its commitment to ensure workers are fairly compensated for their contributions to the nation's economy.

According to a gazette notice signed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, the new directive will benefit workers as it comes after months of negotiations involving government and trade unions.

The new wages are grouped according to regions, with those emanating from the five cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret receiving more wages than those residing in other areas.

For instance, a house servant or a day watchman in Nairobi will be paid Ksh.16,113 monthly, which translates to Ksh.775 daily. 

On the other hand, a watchman in Limuru will receive Kh.14,866 which equals Ksh.712 daily.

For those in the five cities, a turnboy, waiter or stone cutter will get Ksh.17,402, while a night watchman will earn Ksh.17,976.

Bakery workers and tailors working in cities will get Ksh.18,263 while petrol station attendants are set to get Ksh.20,848.

Cashiers and heavy commercial drivers will earn Ksh.36,360 monthly while tractor drivers and salespersons will get Ksh.30,196. 

Following the gazettement, CS Mutua expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to enhancing a fair compensation to all Kenyan workers.

"It is my responsibility to implement this increase across different industries, as outlined in the recently amended wage orders," he said. 

"We have updated the Regulation of Wages for both the General and agricultural sectors, which will directly benefit workers across the nation."

Central Organization of Trade Unions(COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli also lauded the move and encouraged all affected stakeholders to renegotiate their respective Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) in line with the new wages.

"We advise our affiliates to ensure that they negotiate for a two-year cycle CBA so as to have flexibility in the negotiations in accordance to chancing economic dynamics," Atwoli stated in a statement. 

"This process will ensure that the 6% increase is duly incorporated, safeguarding the rights and interests of Kenyan workers across various industries."

The news comes after President Ruto called for the 6 per cent minimum wage increase during the Labour Day celebrations in May 2024.

"I urge the relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Labour, to convene a meeting with the appropriate committee to discuss and implement a minimum wage increase of at least 6 per cent," he stated. 

For the government to increase the minimum wage, several factors had to be considered such as inflation rates, cost of living adjustments, and economic growth indicators.