Domestic workers across Kenya are expected to take home higher pay after the Ministry of Labour introduced new minimum wage regulations.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced the updated wage rates through a legal notice, raising the minimum monthly earnings for domestic workers in major cities by 12% to reflect President William Ruto’s directive during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
Under the new rules, domestic workers employed in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret will receive a minimum monthly salary of Ksh18,047, up from Ksh16,113 in 2024.
The revised rates also cover other workers, including gardeners, house helps, watchmen, messengers, and sweepers, and employers must follow the new wage structure right away.
Domestic workers employed in former municipalities and other major urban centres will now receive a minimum monthly wage of Ksh16,650.
At the same time, workers in smaller towns and rural areas will earn at least Ksh9,268 per month under the new wage order.
The ministry warned that employers who do not meet the minimum wage requirements face prosecution, including a fine of up to Ksh50,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
These salary changes follow President Ruto’s announcement of a nationwide general wage increase during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County on May 1, 2026.
Speaking to workers at the event, Ruto said his administration approved the pay rise after it held consultations and received requests from workers through the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
“I am pleased to announce a 12 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural wages to all Kenyan workers,” Ruto said.
The Head of State added that the wage increase aims to protect workers from the rising cost of living and improve their welfare.
In addition to the salary review, President Ruto directed the Ministry of Labour to operationalise the wage councils created under the Labour Relations Act, 2007.
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