Househelps in Cities to Earn at Least Sh16,000 Following New Wage Order
Househelps in Nakuru and Eldoret, now classified as cities, will enjoy higher salaries following their elevation to city status.
In a new wage directive published by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, domestic workers in major cities—Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru—will earn a minimum monthly wage of Sh16,113. This marks an increase from the Sh15,200 set in 2018.
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The revised wage translates to Sh775 per day or Sh144 per hour. Other domestic and industrial workers in cities, such as cleaners, sweepers, gardeners, children’s ayahs, and day watchmen, will also receive the same rate.
Workers in former municipalities like Mavoko, Ruiru, and Limuru will earn Sh14,866 monthly, while those in other areas will take home Sh8,596 per month.
Key Highlights of the New Wage Structure:
- City Workers: Miners, waiters, cooks, and loggers in cities will earn Sh17,402 monthly, while night watchmen will take home Sh17,976, up from Sh16,959.
- Municipalities: Night watchmen in municipalities around Nairobi will earn Sh16,665, and those in other areas Sh10,253.
- Specialized Workers: Machine attendants, tailors, and bakery assistants in cities will earn Sh18,263.
- Drivers: Drivers of light vans will earn Sh21,748 in cities, while those of medium-sized vehicles and tailors will get Sh27,352.
- Caretakers: Minimum pay for building caretakers is Sh33,416 in cities, Sh31,200 in municipalities, and Sh29,068 elsewhere.
The adjustment follows President William Ruto’s directive for a 6% increase in minimum wages during the Labour Day celebrations in May 2024. He emphasized the need for additional wage councils for various industries, including agriculture and seafaring.
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This marks the first increase since 2018, when former President Uhuru Kenyatta implemented a 12% wage hike. However, research reveals that many domestic workers still earn below the mandated minimum, averaging Sh8,841 monthly.
The new directive aims to address wage disparities and improve the livelihoods of workers across the country.
