Households and other employers who underpay domestic workers risk prosecution, including fines of up to Sh50,000, the government has warned.
The latest directive is in line with the Ministry of Labour, which increases the minimum monthly pay for domestic workers, including house helpers, gardeners, and watchmen.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced the new wage rates through a legal notice, implementing a 12 percent increase in the minimum wage as directed by President William Ruto during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
Under the revised wage order, domestic workers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret will earn a minimum monthly salary of Sh18,047, up from Sh16,113 in 2024.
The new rates take immediate effect and apply to a wide range of workers, including house helps, gardeners, watchmen, messengers and sweepers.
Domestic workers employed in former municipalities and other major urban centres will now be entitled to a minimum monthly wage of Sh16,650.
Those working in smaller towns and rural areas will earn at least Sh9,268 per month under the new regulations.
The Labour Ministry said employers are required to comply with the revised wage structure, warning that failure to observe the prescribed minimum pay rates will attract legal sanctions with penalties including a fine of up to Sh50,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
The salary adjustments follow President Ruto’s announcement of a nationwide general wage increase during the Labour Day celebrations held in Vihiga County on May 1, 2026.
Speaking during the event, Ruto said his administration had approved the pay rise after consultations and requests presented by workers through the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
“I am pleased to announce a 12 percent increase in general wages and a 15 percent increase in agricultural wages to all Kenyan workers,” Ruto said.
The adjustments are aimed at improving workers’ earnings and align with the government’s commitment to enhancing labour standards and protecting low-income employees across the country.
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