Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, has assured Kenyan workers that the proposed 6% minimum wage increase will be implemented before the end of 2024.

During the 59th International Labour Day celebrations in May 2024, held at Uhuru Gardens National Stadium in Nairobi, President William Ruto directed the Ministry of Labour to meet with the relevant labour relations committee to raise the minimum wage by at least six per cent. This directive was part of the government’s initiative to improve workers’ welfare.

Mutua’s reaffirmation

President Ruto also instructed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to operationalise multiple wage councils provided for under the Labour Relations Act 2007.

These councils are designed to ensure industrial peace and manage disputes effectively. They include wage councils for seafarers, as well as protective, general, and agricultural workers.

CS Mutua reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the wage increase after meeting with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

“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, including FKE President Gilda Odera, Executive Director Jackline Mugo, and Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers CEO Mike Macharia, we are fast-tracking the necessary councils—such as the Wages Council, Seafarers Council, Agricultural Workers Council, and Private Security Guards Council—to ensure this increase is realized. Our economy depends on the growth of the private sector, and fair treatment of workers is crucial,” Mutua stated on his X account.

The CS also announced plans to personally visit various workplaces to assess the treatment of employees and ensure compliance with occupational health standards.

“I will personally visit various workplaces to assess the treatment of employees, ensuring that occupational health standards are met,” he added.

Mutua on regular meets

Mutua further emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue among key stakeholders. He noted that the government, FKE, and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) will hold quarterly meetings to address emerging labour challenges and maintain harmony in the sector.

“The Federation of Kenya Employers has pledged full support for maintaining harmony in the labour sector. Moving forward, the tripartite partners, comprising the government, FKE, and COTU, will hold quarterly meetings to address emerging labour challenges and ensure ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders,” Mutua concluded.