Kenyan workers have received a boost after President William Ruto reaffirmed his directive for the implementation of a 6% minimum wage increase for civil servants, first announced in 2024.
Speaking during the 2024 Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, President Ruto instructed the Ministry of Labour to ensure the directive is fully enforced across all sectors.
The President emphasized that many employers have yet to comply with the wage adjustment.
“It is not right, it is not acceptable,” Ruto stated, directing Labour CS Florence Bore and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to coordinate efforts and guarantee that all employers implement the agreed increase.
This wage hike was rooted in the principles of tripartite labour relations, guided by the Labour Institutions Act of 2007.
Although the directive was issued in 2024, it only began to take effect in September of the same year following the formal reconstitution of the General and Agricultural Wages Councils through a gazette notice.
After tripartite consultations, the new statutory minimum wage rates were published on October 7, 2024, with employers advised to comply by November 1.
However, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has accused the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) of stalling the process, leaving workers frustrated.
Atwoli has since demanded a 24% increase, citing inflation and stagnant wages.
In response, FKE defended its actions, insisting it has followed due process and supports a fair, consultative approach.
The federation highlighted the reconstitution of the Wages Councils as essential in ensuring balanced representation and accountability.
President Ruto also directed that employees under outsourced contracts be allowed to join trade unions and benefit from collective bargaining agreements, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to labour rights and wage fairness.
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