Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu on Tuesday, March 21, unveiled plans to increase the minimum salary from Kshs15,120 to Ksh22,680 per month.
In a draft of a Bill, Nyamu is seeking the Senate's nod to amend the Labour Institution Act, 2007 in order to increase minimum wage by 50 per cent.
Nyamu stated that her Bill will ensure that employees are cushioned from the ongoing adverse economic turbulence.
"I'm aware that labour is one of the most important factors of production which is very critical to growth and development of any economy.
"I'm further aware that there exists a symbiotic relationship between the employer and the employee where both acquire mutual benefits from each other," Nyamu stated.
The lawmaker noted that employed Kenyans needed to be appreciated better, considering the fact that they form the largest part of the consumer base for most goods and services produced in the country.
"I'm appreciating the fact that in the year 2022 the government reviewed the minimum wage upwards by 12 per cent thereby making the lowest paid worker to earn Ksh15,120," Nyamu stated in her draft Bill.
She also noted that the government collects huge revenues from employees in form of taxes and other statutory deductions.
As a result, she urged Senators to approve the Bill that will ensure better payments for workers.
The Nominated Senator explained that an increase in minimum wage will see a growth in productivity by the same workers hence translating into more revenues for the government.
"I'm concerned that the current minimum wages for workers in Kenya is far too low for survival in the current harsh economic conditions and the deteriorating rate of inflation," Nyamu noted.
If it becomes Law, the Bill will compel the Cabinet Secretary for Labour in consultation with the wage council and in accordance with the Labour Institution Act, 2007 published a new order to increase the minimum wage by 50 per cent.
On May 1, 2022, Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta announced an increase in the minimum wage by 12 per cent to Ksh15,120.
