Watchmen across the country are set to earn higher salaries following the implementation of new statutory minimum wage rates that took effect on May 1, 2026.
The new pay rates are outlined in the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026, issued by the Labour Cabinet Secretary through Legal Notice No. 108 dated June 26, 2026.
Watchmen in Major Cities to Earn the Highest Minimum Wage
Under the new wage order, night watchmen working in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret cities will earn a minimum monthly salary of KSh20,133.72, excluding housing allowance.
Those employed in the former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru will earn a minimum monthly wage of KSh18,665.88, while watchmen working in all other parts of the country will receive a minimum monthly salary of KSh11,483.43.
| Region / Area Category | Monthly Wage (KSh) | Daily Rate (KSh) | Hourly Rate (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Cities (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret) | 20,133.72 | 966.02 | 181.64 |
| Former Municipalities & Town Councils (Mavoko, Ruiru, Limuru + similar areas) | 18,665.88 | 900.31 | 165.26 |
| All Other Areas | 11,483.43 | 554.07 | 105.90 |
Also Read: TSC Announces Salary Increase for Teachers
The revised rates follow President William Ruto’s announcement during the 2026 Labour Day celebrations of a 12 per cent increase in general minimum wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural minimum wages.
Following the gazettement of the new wage order, the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has advised employers to review and implement the new pay rates to ensure compliance with the law.
In a statement issued on June 30, FKE reminded employers that President Ruto announced the wage increases during the Labour Day celebrations held on May 1, 2026, before the changes were formally published by the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection through Legal Notice No. 108 dated June 26, 2026.
The employers’ body noted that although the legal notice was published on June 26, the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026 took effect on May 1, 2026.
“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.
The federation further encouraged employers who require clarification or guidance on implementing the new wage order to contact it for assistance to ensure full compliance with the revised statutory minimum wage requirements.
Also Read: Govt to Increase Salaries for Select Officers in Fresh Reforms
Other Occupations Covered by the New Wage Order
The gazetted wage schedule also revises the minimum pay for several other occupations. General labourers, including cleaners, sweepers, gardeners, children’s ayahs, house servants, day watchmen and messengers, will earn a minimum of KSh18,047.40 per month in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret, KSh16,650.95 in the former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru, and KSh9,628.07 in all other areas.
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.
The minimum monthly wage for machine attendants, sawmill sawyers, machine assistants, mass production machinists, shoe cutters, bakery workers, bakery assistants and tailors’ assistants has also been increased to KSh20,454.86 in the major cities, KSh19,034.56 in Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru, and KSh15,427.97 in all other areas.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
