Kenyan workers across different sectors are set to take home higher pay following President William Ruto’s order on a new wage review.

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 adjustments apply across all categories of workers in cities, municipalities, towns, and rural areas, with earnings rising from the 2025 rates.

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Salaries for General Workers in Cities, Municipalities and Towns After 12% Increase

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 monthly.

In former municipalities and towns, including Mavoko, Ruiru, and Limuru, workers earning Ksh 14,866.92 will now take home about Ksh 16,650.

Workers in all other towns, earning Ksh 8,596.49 will now take home about Ksh 9,628.

Night watchmen in cities earning Ksh 17,976.54 will now earn about Ksh 20,133, while those in municipalities earning Ksh 16,665.96 will take home about Ksh 18,665. In other towns, pay will rise from Ksh 10,253.06 to about Ksh 11,483.

Machine attendants and bakery workers earning Ksh 18,263.27 in cities will now earn about Ksh 20,457. In municipalities, pay will rise from Ksh 16,995.14 to about Ksh 19,034, while in other towns earnings will increase from Ksh 13,774.97 to about Ksh 15,427.

Skilled workers such as clerks, receptionists, and storekeepers earning Ksh 24,818.31 in cities will now earn about Ksh 27,796.

In municipalities, pay rises from Ksh 22,689.83 to about Ksh 25,412, while in other towns it increases from Ksh 19,346.59 to about Ksh 21,667.

Drivers of medium vehicles earning Ksh 27,352.40 in cities will now earn about Ksh 30,640. In municipalities, pay rises to about Ksh 28,156 from Ksh 25,139.17, while in other towns it rises from Ksh 22,415.82 to about Ksh 25,105.

Heavy commercial vehicle drivers earning Ksh 36,360.92 in cities will now earn about Ksh 40,714. In municipalities, pay rises from Ksh 34,217.60 to about Ksh 38,324, while in other towns it increases from Ksh 32,082.81 to about Ksh 35,932.

Also Read: Why Employers Across Key Sectors Are Not Hiring in 2026

Urban Workers Salary Structure After 12% Wage Increase

Agriculture Sector Workers to Earn 15% More

In the agriculture sector, unskilled employees will now earn Ksh 9,197, up from Ksh 7,997, following the 15 percent increase.

Stockmen, herdsmen, and watchmen will take home Ksh 10,620, up from Ksh 9,236.

House servants or cooks will earn Ksh 10,498, up from Ksh 9,129, while farm foremen will now receive Ksh 16,591, up from Ksh 14,427. Farm clerks will also earn Ksh 16,591, up from Ksh 14,427.

Section foremen will take home Ksh 10,741, up from Ksh 9,340, while farm artisans will earn Ksh 11,003, up from Ksh 9,559.

Tractor drivers will earn Ksh 11,656, up from Ksh 10,136, while combine harvester drivers will move from Ksh 11,167 to Ksh 12,842.

Lorry and car drivers in the sector will now earn Ksh 13,497, up from Ksh 11,719.

Agricultural Sector Workers (15% Increase)