On Friday, May 1, 2026, President William Ruto awarded workers a salary increase of 12 percent, and 15 percent for those in the agricultural sector.
Following the announcement during historic Labour Day celebrations—held for the first time outside Nairobi—the minimum wage will rise by Sh4,363.31.
“In recognition of the dedication, resilience, and significant contribution of our workers to the growth and stability of our economy, I am pleased to announce a 12 percent increase in general wages and 15 percent for the agricultural sector,” said President Ruto while in Vihiga.
Once implemented, the changes will benefit lower-income workers such as cleaners, sweepers, domestic workers, and daytime security guards, with pay increases ranging between Sh1,031.58 and Sh4,363.31.
In Kenya, the minimum wage varies depending on sector and location, covering about 45 categories.
The increase falls short of the 23 percent proposed by Francis Atwoli, while the Federation of Kenya Employers had opposed it and suggested it should not exceed 5 percent. President Ruto appeared to take a middle-ground position.
The group set to benefit most includes Grade I artisans, accounts clerks, heavy vehicle drivers, and urban salespersons in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, where wages will increase to Sh40,724.23 from Sh36,360.92.
In the agricultural sector, the lowest-paid workers will see a smaller increase, gaining about Sh1,200 to reach Sh9,197 per month, while truck and vehicle drivers will receive an increase of Sh1,758, bringing their salaries to Sh13,477.
However, the increase is less than half of the 23 percent proposal by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), sparking debate over whether workers’ voices are being fully considered.
President Ruto thanked workers for their role in growing the economy, saying the increase is a sign of appreciation for their efforts.
He emphasized that Kenya’s economy continues to strengthen despite global challenges, citing GDP growth of 4.6 percent, inflation dropping to 5.6 percent, and the stability of the Kenyan shilling at around Sh129 against the US dollar.
The President noted that the affordable housing program has created jobs for over 640,000 people, with a target of reaching one million jobs.
Youth account for 50 percent of these positions, women 30 percent, and persons with disabilities 5 percent.
In Vihiga County alone, investment has exceeded Sh15 billion, including the construction of 3,720 housing units and a market with 3,470 stalls.
Regarding overseas employment, the President said more than 580,000 Kenyans have secured jobs through the “Kazi Majuu” program across sectors such as engineering, driving, nursing, and teaching through international agreements.
In infrastructure, he mentioned the expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, expected to create 10,000 direct jobs, and the 107-kilometer Kisumu–Malaba railway as key projects to boost the economies of Western Kenya and the Rift Valley.
On healthcare under the Social Health Authority (SHA), the President acknowledged initial challenges but said they are being addressed.
He added that over 30.8 million Kenyans have now enrolled in the program, compared to 8 million who were under the National Hospital Insurance Fund three years ago.
The President also announced that Kenya has ratified International Labour Organization conventions 189 and 190 on the rights of domestic workers and the prevention of workplace harassment.
He urged Kenyans to ignore misinformation, stating: “Noise may be loud, but it cannot change the truth. The truth of a nation is seen in the daily actions of its people.”
The event was attended by several leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
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