The government has gazetted the new wage standards for all general laborers in the country in line with the 6% minimum pay increase announced by President William Ruto.
Labor and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua issued the notice in accordance with The Labor Institutions Act.
The new pay as per the Gazette supplement dated October 9 takes effect November 1.
In the new structure, all unskilled employees will earn a monthly pay of Sh7,997 or Sh335 per day.
A stockman or a herdsman is set to take home Sh9,235 or Sh391 daily.
The consolidated basic minimum wage targets workers in all sectors.
"This adjustment ensures that the wages reflect the current economic environment and provide a better standard of living," said Mutua.
According to the CS, the signing of the gazette notice witnessed by the President is a testament to the commitment to ensuring fair compensation for all Kenyan workers.
It follows months of negotiations between the Ministry of Labor and trade unions.
President William Ruto announced the increase during the Labor Day celebrations held at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on May 1, this year.
"I want the labour CS to sit with the relevant committee. I want the minimum wage increased by at least 6 per cent. They will tell me how that will be implemented," Ruto said.
A lorry driver is set to get Sh496 per or Sh11,718 monthly while a combine harvester driver will get Sh473 or Sh11,166 each month.
A tractor driver on the other hand will be earning Sh10,136 or Sh430 daily. A house servant or a cook will be entitled to Sh9,129 monthly, farm foreman (Sh14,427), farm clerk (Sh14,427), senior foreman (Sh9,339) and farm artisan (Sh9,558).
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has welcomed the move terming it a significant step towards ensuring the livelihood of Kenyan workers is improved.
Atwoli called on the relevant ministry to ensure compliance, the union noted that the adjustment reflects the government's continued commitment to addressing the challenges faced by workers.
"...especially during these economically challenging times marked by inflation and the rising cost of living," Atwoli said.
Atwoli also used the opportunity to ask all its members to start reviewing the terms of its workers.
"In light of this, COTU (K) advises all affiliated unions and their members to begin re-negotiating their respective Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)," it states.
This is to ensure that workers are cushioned from the erosion in purchasing power.
The union advised its affiliates to negotiate for a two-year cycle CBA so as to have flexibility in the negotiations in accordance to chancing economic dynamics.
This process, he said, will ensure that the 6% increase is duly incorporated, safeguarding the rights and interests of Kenyan workers across various industries.
Atwoli also assured workers that they will continue to ensure that their rights and welfare are constantly enhanced.
"We remain committed and dedicated to advocating for workers' rights and we shall continue to engage with the government and employers to promote fair and just working conditions," he stated.