Government issues fresh pay directive for house helps, gardeners and watchmen

The Federation of Kenya Employers has urged businesses and households to adjust workers’ salaries after the government officially published revised minimum wage regulations, with the changes backdated to May 1.

Employers across Kenya have been advised to review their payrolls and implement the government’s revised minimum wage rates after new regulations were formally published.

The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) said the updated wage order, which came into effect on May 1, 2026, follows President William Ruto’s Labour Day announcement introducing a 12% increase in the general minimum wage and a 15% rise for agricultural workers.

Although the legal notice was published on June 26, the federation reminded employers that the revised wages apply from May 1, meaning eligible workers should already be receiving the new rates.

“As you are aware, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, during the National Labour Day celebrations held on 1st May 2026, announced a 12% increase in general minimum wages and a 15% increase in agricultural minimum wages,” FKE stated.

“Employers are hereby advised to review and implement the necessary adjustments to ensure full compliance with the revised statutory minimum wage requirements effective 1st May 2026.”

The employers’ body also noted that the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection had since gazetted the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026, through Legal Notice No. 108 dated June 26.

“Arising therefrom, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection has published the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026, effective 1st May 2026, through Legal Notice No. 108 dated 26th June 2026,” FKE noted.

The federation called on employers, including those with domestic workers such as house helps, gardeners, sweepers, messengers and watchmen, to update salaries in line with the new statutory requirements.

The revised wage order fulfils President Ruto’s Labour Day pledge to increase minimum wages as part of efforts to ease the pressure of the rising cost of living on low-income workers.

FKE also encouraged employers seeking clarification on the new wage regulations to contact the organisation for guidance.

“Should you require any clarification or further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact the Federation,” FKE added.

New minimum wages

The government approved a 12% increase in minimum wages for domestic workers and several other categories of employees through a legal notice signed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.

Officials say the changes are aimed at improving the livelihoods of workers who have traditionally ranked among the country’s lowest-paid employees.

Under the revised rates, domestic workers employed in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret will now earn a minimum monthly salary of KSh18,047, up from KSh16,113 in 2024.

Those working in former municipalities and other major urban centres, including Ruiru, Mavoko and Limuru, will earn a minimum monthly wage of KSh16,650.

Meanwhile, domestic workers employed in smaller towns and rural areas will now be entitled to a minimum monthly salary of KSh9,268 under the new wage structure.