The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Labour, has ordered all employers across the country to immediately implement a 6 per cent increase in workers’ salaries.
This directive, aimed at improving the lives of employees—especially those earning lower wages—was reaffirmed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on Thursday, May 15, during a regional conference held in Mombasa County.
CS Mutua strongly emphasized that the minimum wage increase, which was gazetted in November last year, is not optional.
He warned companies that have failed to implement the pay rise that they risk facing serious consequences, including possible closure.
“To those in the employment sector, particularly in the private sector, I want to make this clear: I gazetted a 6 per cent minimum wage increase last year in November. That gazette notice was not a suggestion or a plea—it was a legal directive. Every employer must ensure that their workers’ pay reflects this increment,” Mutua stated firmly.
He further noted that the Ministry would launch inspections targeting companies to confirm whether they are complying with the law. Any business found defying the directive will face immediate enforcement actions.
Mutua also encouraged workers who have not received the salary adjustment to report their employers to the Ministry of Labour. He assured the public that appropriate action would be taken to protect workers’ rights and ensure that the law is followed.
The salary increment was introduced after thorough discussions and consensus among key players in the employment sector, including representatives from the Ministry of Labour, workers’ unions, and other relevant stakeholders.
The goal was to uplift the financial well-being of thousands of Kenyan workers, especially those earning minimum wage or close to it.
This renewed directive by CS Mutua comes just two weeks after President William Ruto expressed concern over the failure of many employers to implement the wage increase.
Speaking during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, the President criticized the lack of compliance and instructed the Ministry of Labour to enforce the directive fully.
“Last year, we agreed to raise workers’ salaries by 6 per cent. Unfortunately, many employers have not honored this agreement, and that is both unfair and unacceptable,” President Ruto said.
He added, “I am now instructing the Ministry of Labour to collaborate with the Head of Public Service to make sure that every employer in this country implements the 6 per cent salary increment we agreed upon.”
With this latest order from CS Mutua, the government is now taking a firmer stance to ensure that the long-delayed wage increase is finally implemented nationwide, helping workers cope with the rising cost of living.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
