The Ministry of Labour has justified the recent minimum wage increase, saying the decision was aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
Speaking to the media on July 8, Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime said the government considered employers’ economic circumstances after conducting a survey before approving the new wage rates.
PS Mwadime rejected assertions that employers are unable to implement the new minimum wage.
“It is not true that employers cannot afford to pay. We conduct an economic analysis and survey before gazetting any wage increase,” he said.
Ministry of Labour Rejects Criticism Over New Minimum Wage Rates
He argued that the review is aimed at safeguarding workers’ dignity, questioning whether it is fair for someone to work for 30 days and earn KSh7,000.
The PS for the Ministry of Labor maintained that better pay not only improves workers’ livelihoods but also boosts household spending, which can drive economic activity.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) said it is advising its members to comply with the new minimum wage regulations, which have already been gazetted.
The federation directed employers to immediately implement the gazetted 12% general wage and 15% agricultural minimum wage increases.
“Employers are hereby advised to review and implement the necessary adjustments to ensure full compliance with the revised statutory minimum wage requirements effective 1st May 2026,” FKE said.
Also Read: Breakdown of Payslip Changes for Kenyan Workers as New Minimum Wage Takes Effect
How the New Minimum Wage Affected Workers’ Pay
The revised minimum wage increased the minimum monthly earnings for several categories of workers, including night watchmen, domestic workers and general laborers, with rates varying by location.
Under the new wage order, night watchmen employed in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret saw their minimum monthly salary rise to KSh20,133.72, excluding housing allowance.
Those working in the former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru had their minimum monthly pay increased to KSh18,665.88, while their counterparts in the rest of the country received a minimum of KSh11,483.43.
Also Read: Watchmen to Be Paid KSh20,000 as Govt Gazettes New Minimum Wages
The gazetted wage schedule also revised the minimum pay for general laborers, including cleaners, sweepers, gardeners, children’s ayahs, house servants, day watchmen and messengers.
Those employed in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret had their minimum monthly wage set at KSh18,047.40, while workers in the former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru earned at least KSh16,650.95. In all other parts of the country, the minimum monthly wage for the category was set at KSh9,628.07.
Meanwhile, miners, stone cutters, turnboys, waiters, cooks, loggers and line cutters will earn KSh19,491.33, KSh17,046.83 and KSh11,124.42, respectively, depending on their location.
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