Kenyan workers are set for an increase in minimum wage if Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua's recent sentiments are anything to go by.
The former Machakos governor boldly declared that the proposed 6% minimum wage increase would be implemented before the end of 2024.
Mutua made the declaration after a meeting with stakeholders including the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) at his office on Tuesday, September 3.
"I want to reassure all Kenyan workers that the proposed 6% minimum wage increase will be implemented before the end of the year after productive discussions with key stakeholders," the CS said on X, formerly Twitter.
While reiterating that the growth of Kenya's economy was heavily reliant on the private sector, Mutua said the government aimed to set up different councils to cater for workers' welfare.
"Our economy depends on the growth of the private sector, and fair treatment of workers is crucial," he added.
The matter of a minimum wage increase has been on the cards for months, after President William Ruto initially made the announcement on Labour Day.
At the time, the President said the move was aimed at increasing Kenyans' purchasing power which had dipped considerably in recent months.
Since Kenya's minimum wage varies by sector and location, the 6% increase will mean different amounts for different sectors ranging between Ksh 466.59 and Ksh 2058.17.
Typically, those working in the city get a higher pay than those working in former municipalities and town councils.
The blanket minimum wage rise will impact all civil servants, including house workers, day guards, sweepers and gardeners.
In 2022, workers experienced a 12 per cent increase in the minimum wage, which was the first review since 2018.
