President William Ruto witnessed the signing of a gazette notice that will raise the minimum wage by 6% for employees across various sectors in Kenya. The new rates will take effect on November 1, 2024, benefiting thousands of workers.
The decision follows months of negotiations involving the government, trade unions, and employers. The government established the National Wages Council to oversee the wage increase process and ensure a structured approach.
Under the new wage schedule, unskilled employees will earn a minimum of Sh7,997 per month, while skilled and semi-skilled workers will see significant increases. House servants and cooks will now earn a minimum of Sh9,129 per month, and farm foremen will earn Sh14,427 per month.
The event was attended by key social partners, including COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) CEO Jacqueline Mugo.
The implementation of the new wage structure will provide much-needed relief for minimum wage earners as the cost of living continues to rise.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasizes the importance of minimum wages as a tool to protect workers from unduly low pay.
Minimum wages contribute to a just and equitable distribution of the benefits of economic progress, ensuring that all employed individuals receive a basic standard of living.
Additionally, minimum wages can play a role in reducing poverty and inequality, including gender-based disparities.
“Decent wages are central to economic and social development and to advance social justice,” the ILO says. “They also play an essential role in reducing poverty and inequality and ensuring a decent and dignified life.”
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