Some Kenyan workers are set to receive higher salaries following the implementation of President William Ruto’s directive to increase the statutory minimum wage.
The revised wage orders, which took effect on May 1, 2026, require employers to adjust the pay of eligible employees covered under the new minimum wage regulations, meaning affected workers could see changes reflected in their July payslips.
Ruto, while speaking during Labour Day celebrations on Friday, May 1, announced a 12 percent increase in general wages and a 15 percent increase in agricultural wages.
“In recognition of the sacrifice, resilience, and immense contribution of our workers to the growth and stability of our economy, I am pleased to announce a 12pc increase in general wages and a 15pc increase in agricultural wages,” said President Ruto.
The president clarified that the adjustments apply to all categories of workers in cities, municipalities, towns, and rural areas, with earnings rising above the 2025 rates.
In Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, general laborers such as cleaners, gardeners, house servants, and day watchmen currently earn Ksh 16,113.75. After the 12 percent increase, they will earn about Ksh 18,047.
FKE Directs Employers to Review July Payrolls
In a statement on July 1, the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) directed employers to review their payrolls and implement the necessary salary adjustments to comply with the revised statutory minimum wage requirements.
According to the FKE, the revised minimum wages took effect on May 1, 2026, following the publication of the new wage orders under Legal Notices Nos. 108 and 109.
The employers’ body urged all employers to ensure full compliance with the new statutory wage rates applicable to eligible employees covered under the revised regulations.
“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,” the body said.
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How Are Payslips Going to Change This Month
Below are the revised statutory minimum wages under the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026, showing the minimum monthly, daily, and hourly rates by occupation and location, effective May 1, 2026.
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New Minimum Wage for Agricultural Workers
The revised Regulation of Wages (Agricultural Industry) (Amendment) Order, 2026 also sets new statutory minimum wages for employees working in Kenya’s agricultural sector, effective May 1, 2026.
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The revised wage order covers unskilled employees, stockmen, herdsmen, watchmen, house servants, cooks, farm foremen, farm clerks, senior foremen, farm artisans, tractor drivers, combine harvester drivers, and lorry or car drivers employed in the agricultural industry.
Under the new rates, unskilled employees are entitled to a minimum monthly wage of KSh 9,196.93, while stockmen, herdsmen and watchmen will earn at least KSh 10,621.15 per month.
The order also sets the minimum monthly wage for house servants or cooks at KSh 10,498.82, farm foremen and farm clerks at KSh 16,591.20, and senior foremen at KSh 10,740.61.
Other revised monthly minimum wages include KSh 10,992.45 for farm artisans, KSh 11,656.75 for tractor drivers, KSh 12,841.61 for combine harvester drivers, and KSh 13,476.47 for lorry or car drivers.
The revised rates were published under Legal Notice No. 109 by Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua and apply from May 1, 2026.
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