Thousands of domestic workers across Kenya are set to take home higher pay following the implementation of new minimum wage regulations published by the Ministry of Labour.
The new wage order, announced by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua through a legal notice, raises the minimum salaries of domestic workers and several other categories of employees by 12 per cent, in line with President William Ruto’s directive issued during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
Under the revised rates, domestic workers employed in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret will now earn a minimum monthly salary of Ksh18,047, up from Ksh16,113 in 2024.
The increase also covers other workers in similar job groups, including gardeners, house helps, watchmen, messengers and sweepers. Employers are required to implement the new wage structure immediately.
Workers employed in former municipalities and other major urban centres will now be entitled to a minimum monthly wage of Ksh16,650.
Meanwhile, domestic workers and other employees covered under the wage order in smaller towns and rural areas will earn a minimum salary of Ksh9,268 per month.
Ministry of Labour has warned that companies not complying with these minimum wage regulations will face legal proceedings.
The ministry further warns violators of being subjected to a Ksh50,000 fine or imprisonment for up to three months or even both.
The latest pay review comes after a declaration of the nationwide wage hike made by the country’s president, William Ruto, at Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County on May 1, 2026.
Addressing workers at the event, President Ruto announced a pay raise approved by the government as a result of consultation and petition from the workers via COTU.
“This day, I am proud to announce a wage increase of 12 per cent for general workers and 15 per cent in agriculture,” the president declared.
President Ruto further explained that the wage increment was necessary so as to ease the burden of rising living costs among workers as well as improve their wellbeing.
Besides the changes in salaries, President Ruto instructed the Ministry of Labour to implement different wage councils that have been created under the Labour Relations Act of 2007.
