Uhuru Announces a 12 Percent Increment in Minimum Wage

President Kenyatta has announced a 12 percent increment in the country’s minimum wage effective May 1st.

The president said the move is aimed cushioning workers against the rising cost of living owing to external economic factors.

Speaking during this year’s Labor Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, Uhuru expressed optimism about the country’s workforce, terming it as one of the best in Africa and the world.

"I declare an increase of minimum wage by 12 percent with effect from May 1st, 2022. I call on the private sector, please let us work in the same spirit, let us all make the adjustments that will sustain the wellness of our labor force, let us sacrifice a portion of our profit," Kenyatta appealed.

"The World Bank has indicated that Kenya will have the best productive workforce by 2036 if we continue with the same trajectory."

The government last reviewed the country’s minimum wage to Sh13,500 in 2018.

Uhuru also lamented the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, saying it has contributed to the fuel crisis in the country and slowed down the economy's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The fete was attended by Labor Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui, Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) CEO Jacqueline Mugo, and Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu, among others.