Labour Ministry Publishes New Regulations Raising Wages for Domestic Workers by 12%

Labour Ministry Publishes New Regulations Raising Wages for Domestic Workers by 12%

Thousands of domestic workers across Kenya are set to receive higher salaries following the publication of new minimum wage regulations by the Ministry of Labour, marking one of the most significant wage adjustments for low-income workers in recent years.

The revised wage structure, announced through a legal notice by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, implements a 12 per cent increase in minimum wages for domestic workers and several other categories of employees. The move follows a directive issued by President William Ruto during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.

Under the new regulations, domestic workers employed in major urban centres including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret will now earn a minimum monthly salary of KSh18,047, up from KSh16,113 in 2024.

The wage review is expected to benefit thousands of house helps, gardeners, watchmen, sweepers, messengers and other domestic workers whose earnings are regulated under Kenya’s minimum wage framework.

Labour officials said the revised salaries take effect immediately and employers are expected to comply with the new regulations without delay.

For workers employed in former municipalities and other large urban centres, the minimum monthly wage has been increased to KSh16,650. Meanwhile, domestic workers in smaller towns and rural areas will now earn at least KSh9,268 per month under the updated wage order.

The government says the adjustments are aimed at improving the welfare of workers while helping households cope with the increasing cost of living that has affected many Kenyan families over the past several years.

Announcing the changes, CS Mutua said the ministry had completed the necessary legal procedures to operationalise the wage increment approved by the government.

The revised regulations form part of broader labour reforms intended to strengthen worker protections and ensure fair compensation across various sectors of the economy.

The ministry also issued a warning to employers who fail to implement the prescribed minimum wages, emphasizing that non-compliance constitutes an offence under labour laws.

According to the regulations, employers found violating the wage order could face serious legal consequences.

“Any employer who fails to comply with the prescribed minimum wages risks prosecution, including a fine of up to KSh50,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both,” the ministry stated.

The salary increase follows an announcement made by President Ruto during this year’s Labour Day celebrations held in Vihiga County on May 1, 2026.

Addressing workers, trade union leaders and government officials during the event, the President said the wage review had been approved following consultations and proposals submitted by workers’ representatives through the Central Organisation of Trade Unions.

“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,” President Ruto declared.

The Head of State noted that the decision was intended to cushion workers from rising living expenses while promoting economic dignity among employees across the country.

“The objective is to improve workers’ welfare and enhance their purchasing power as we continue implementing measures to strengthen the economy,” he added.

Beyond the wage increment, President Ruto directed the Ministry of Labour to operationalise wage councils established under the Labour Relations Act, 2007. The councils are expected to play a greater role in reviewing salaries and working conditions across different sectors.

Labour experts say the new wage regulations could provide relief to many domestic workers who have long argued that their earnings have not kept pace with inflation and increasing household expenses.

As implementation begins, attention is expected to shift to enforcement, with labour officers tasked with ensuring employers across the country comply with the new wage structure and uphold workers’ rights under Kenyan law.

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Labour Ministry Publishes New Regulations Raising Wages for Domestic Workers by 12%