Employers who fail to implement the new 6% minimum wage increase have been put on notice by Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua. The directive, which takes effect from November 1, 2024, was announced in accordance with President William Ruto’s Labour Day pledge to enhance worker welfare.
Speaking at the 2nd Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Conference on quality skills development and apprenticeship in Mombasa, CS Mutua emphasized that legal action will be taken against non-compliant employers. “This wage adjustment is a step towards ensuring dignity and equity for our workers. Employers must comply there will be no compromise when it comes to the welfare of Kenyan workers,” he said.
The revised wage structure outlines that unskilled workers should earn a minimum of Sh7,997 per month, while skilled domestic workers such as house servants and cooks are entitled to at least Sh9,129. In urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa, general laborers are expected to receive up to Sh16,113.75 per month under the new policy.
The CS made the remarks during the three-day regional forum themed “Transforming apprenticeship systems in the informal economy for youth employability in Africa.” The event brought together over 500 delegates from across the continent, aiming to chart a path towards formalizing Africa’s informal sector and enhancing youth employability.
Mutua urged all stakeholders to act with urgency in transitioning the African workforce from informal to formal employment, stressing the need for inclusive, rights-based approaches and strong social protection mechanisms. He also highlighted the importance of frameworks like the International Labour Organization’s Recommendation No. 208, which provides guidance on economic transition and the development of robust apprenticeship systems.
“Africa cannot afford to be a marginal player in the global economy,” he stated. “We must equip our young people with relevant, practical skills that align with both current and future labour demands.”
The forum is expected to culminate in the adoption of the Mombasa Declaration, a blueprint to strengthen skills development and apprenticeship systems across Africa.
