President William Ruto has announced measures to extend benefits to informal sector workers, following the delayed salary increases for civil servants now set to begin August 1.
President William Ruto spoke on Thursday, July 23, while hosting over 5,000 artisans from Nairobi County at State House. He said the government would develop arrangements so workers outside formal employment also benefit from recently gazetted salary increments for public servants.
The pay rise for civil servants, originally planned for July 1 but postponed, will now take effect on August 1 and cover basic salaries along with housing and commuter allowances. Ruto stated that similar interventions would be created for those earning livelihoods through informal businesses.
The President said artisans, traders and other self-employed Kenyans are business owners whose contribution to the economy deserved equal recognition. He announced plans to support artisans needing workshops or designated sales areas and to fund certification through Recognition of Prior Learning, noting that 40,000 workers have already been certified.