Domestic workers in Kenya are set to earn higher wages after the government published revised minimum wage rates.
The increase covers house helps, gardeners, watchmen, messengers and sweepers across the country.
The new rates, contained in a legal notice issued by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, implement a 12 percent increase in the minimum wage announced by President William Ruto during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
CS Mutua Announces Revised Wage Rates for Domestic Workers
Under the revised rates, domestic workers in major cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, will earn a minimum monthly wage of Ksh18,047, up from Ksh16,113 in 2024.
Employers in former municipalities and large urban centres such as Ruiru, Mavoko and Limuru will be required to pay a minimum monthly wage of Ksh16,650.
Meanwhile, domestic workers in smaller towns and rural areas will earn a minimum of Ksh9,268 per month.
The revised wages also apply to gardeners, house servants, day watchmen, messengers and sweepers working in the respective regions.
Also Read: Kenyan Employers Skeptical About Proposed Salary Increments
Ruto Directs 12 Percent Wage Increase
The changes follow President Ruto’s May 1 directive to increase the minimum wage for workers by 12 percent, with agricultural workers receiving a 15 percent adjustment. Addressing workers during the event, Ruto said his administration had approved the pay rise following consultations and requests submitted by workers through the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
“I am pleased to announce a 12 percent increase in general wages and a 15 percent increase in agricultural wages for all Kenyan workers,” Ruto said.
The government said the wage review is intended to improve the welfare of low-income workers amid the rising cost of living and ensure employees receive fair compensation for their labour.
Employers who fail to comply with the new wage regulations risk penalties, including a fine of up to Ksh50,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both, under the country’s labour laws.
Also Read: Average Basic Minimum Salary Kenyans Earn in Nairobi and Other Cities
While signing the legal notices effecting the changes in May this year, CS Mutua stated that the move is part of the government’s broader plan to improve workers’ incomes and cushion Kenyans from the rising cost of living.
The CS stated that the revised wage structure will guide employers in reviewing salaries and updating payroll systems in line with their human resource policies, resulting in changes to pay slips.
“These adjustments set new minimum wages across various sectors and will guide the Private Sector as they review staff remuneration under their H.R. policies,” Mutua stated.
PHOTO | William Ruto | X
