Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has suspended all labour inspections on all employers countrywide.

Announcing the move on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, during the 66th annual general meeting of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Mutua revealed that the step would make the inspections more predictable and allow employers time to put their houses in order.

“Today, while speaking at the 66th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Kenya Employers, I announced the temporary suspension of all labour inspections across the country,” Mutua stated.

Harassing employers

Mutua revealed that the inspections have for a long time been weaponised by officers from both the county and national governments to harass employers.

“This step is meant to give us time to reform the system and make it fairer, more transparent, and predictable. In the past, some inspections have been carried out unfairly and have been used to harass employers. That must stop. We want to give businesses a grace period to put their houses in order without fear of unnecessary interference,” Mutua remarked.

The CS equally revealed that his ministry was planning a retreat, which would enjoin employers in the country to listen to their frustrations and come up with a lasting solution to fair employment regulations and practices.

“I understand that many employers face multiple inspections from both national and county governments. This makes doing business more difficult and expensive. That’s why I plan to hold a retreat with employers to listen to your concerns and work together on lasting solutions,” Mutua stated.

Warns errant employers

Mutua equally observed that while some employers were operating within the employment guidelines of Kenya and embracing the safety and well-being of their employees, a significant number of them have yet to operationalise the six per cent increase in minimum wages.

At the same time, I must point out that 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟔% 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 announced by the President two years ago. This is disappointing. Workers must be treated fairly, and their welfare must… pic.twitter.com/6Eerd8eyrH

— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) May 28, 2025

“I must point out that some employers have not implemented the six per cent minimum wage increase announced by the President two years ago. This is disappointing. Workers must be treated fairly, and their welfare must come first,” Mutua said.

The CS encouraged the employers to hire more Kenyans and uplift their lives, committing that the government would lower the operation costs of businesses to encourage more investment.

“I also encourage employers to reinvest in the economy by creating more jobs. Hiring more Kenyans means putting more money into people’s pockets, which helps grow our economy through increased spending,” he observed.

“As a government, we are committed to supporting businesses, lowering the cost of operations, and creating decent jobs for our people.”