MOMBASA, Kenya – Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has issued a stern warning to employers flouting the government’s new wage directive, saying legal action awaits those who fail to comply with the mandatory salary adjustments.
Speaking in Mombasa on Friday during the 2nd Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Conference on quality skills development and apprenticeship, Mutua said the government will not tolerate non-compliance with the 6% minimum wage increase that came into effect on November 1, 2024.
“This wage adjustment is a step towards ensuring dignity and equity for our workers. Employers must comply—there will be no compromise when it comes to the welfare of Kenyan workers,” said Mutua.
The wage increase, announced by President William Ruto during Labour Day celebrations, targets a wide category of employees, including unskilled and semi-skilled workers in both urban and rural areas.
Under the new structure:
- Unskilled workers are entitled to a minimum monthly wage of Sh7,997
- Skilled domestic workers such as housekeepers and cooks must earn at least Sh9,129
- General labourers in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa are to be paid up to Sh16,113.75
Mutua’s remarks come amid growing concern over employer reluctance to adjust wages, particularly in the informal and service sectors.
The CS also used the international platform to rally African countries behind efforts to formalise the informal economy, saying the continent cannot afford to be left behind in global labour competitiveness.
“Africa must equip its youth with practical skills that meet current and future labour demands,” he said. “Our economies must shift from informal survival to formal productivity through structured, rights-based approaches and robust social protection systems.”
The conference, hosted at a Mombasa resort and themed “Transforming Apprenticeship Systems in the Informal Economy for Youth Employability in Africa,” brought together over 500 delegates from across the continent.
It is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Mombasa Declaration, a continental blueprint for enhancing skills development and employment systems.
Mutua also highlighted the importance of aligning national frameworks with international standards such as ILO Recommendation No.208, which outlines principles for a just transition towards decent work and structured economic transformation.
