Salary increments and pay reviews: what Kenyan law says
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Kenyan law sets pay floors, not yearly raises. The minimum wage is set in gazetted wages orders, and any raise above that comes from your contract or a union collective agreement. Public officers' pay is set or advised on by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
- Where
- Your employer or union first; the area Labour Officer for complaints
Steps
- Check your contract. It must state your pay, the pay scale or rate and how it is worked out. Any agreed increment would be set out there.
- In a union? Your collective agreement (CBA) between the union and the employer sets pay terms, including raises.
- Make sure you get at least the gazetted minimum wage for your job. Your contract can't pay you less.
- If you're paid below the minimum or not given agreed pay, report it to your area Labour Officer.
Watch out
- When your pay changes, your employer must update your contract with you and tell you in writing.
- Public sector: the SRC sets and reviews pay for State officers and advises national and county governments on pay for other public officers.
Who this covers
- Every worker has a constitutional right to fair pay.
Official sources (4)
- Labour Institutions Act, 2007 labour.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Employment Act, 2007 labour.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Handling of Labour Disputes labour.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Constitution of Kenya, 2010 new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026