Employers advised to implement govt’s new minimum wages for domestic workers
By Valerian Khakayi, June 30, 2026The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has urged employers to implement the government’s revised minimum wage for domestic workers and other employees following the publication of new wage regulations.
In an official notice to employers, issued on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Federation said the changes follow President William Ruto’s announcement during the 2026 Labour Day celebrations of a 12 per cent increase in the general minimum wage and a 15 per cent increase in the agricultural minimum wage.
The employers’ body noted that although the legal notice was published on June 26, the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026, took effect on May 1, 2026.
“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.Feder
“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.”
Additionally, FKE added that the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection has since published the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026, through Legal Notice No. 108 of June 26, 2026, making the revised statutory minimum wages effective from May 1, 2026.
“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 FKE called on employers, including those employing domestic workers, to review their payrolls and make the necessary salary adjustments to comply with the law.
The revised wage order gives effect to Ruto’s Labour Day pledge to raise minimum wages as part of the government’s efforts to cushion low-income workers against the rising cost of living.
The Federation further advised employers seeking clarification on the new wage order to contact the organisation for guidance to ensure full compliance with the amended regulations.
“Should you require any clarification or further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact the Federation,” FKE added.
Govt’s new directives
The government approved a 12 per cent increase in minimum wages for domestic workers, including house helps, gardeners, messengers, sweepers and watchmen.
The revised wage guidelines were published in a legal notice issued by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, implementing a directive announced by President William Ruto during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
According to the government, the move is intended to improve the livelihoods of workers who have long been among the lowest-paid employees in the country.
Under the new structure, domestic workers employed in major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret will now earn a minimum monthly wage of Ksh18,047, up from Ksh16,113 in 2024.
Employers in former municipalities and other large urban centres, including Ruiru, Mavoko, and Limuru, will be required to pay a minimum monthly wage of Ksh16,650.
In smaller towns and rural areas, domestic workers will earn a minimum of Ksh9,268 per month under the revised pay scale.