The representative body for Kenyan transporters has threatened legal action against companies yet to comply with the minimum wage laws for heavy commercial vehicle drivers.
In a statement, the Kenya Transport Association chairman, Newton Wang'oo, said those paying below the minimum wage were not only in violation of the law but also displayed a disregard for the rights and welfare of the transport workforce.
Wang'oo noted that the last Regulation of Wages issued in May 2022 pegged the minimum wage for HCV drivers plying the Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru routes at 39 449 shillings, while those serving municipalities such as Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru should receive a minimum wage of 37 123 shillings.
Those plying other areas earn less than 34 807 shillings.
Wang'oo advised companies to begin the process of reviewing their employees' salaries to meet or exceed the minimum wage requirement.
Long-distance drivers and conductors have threatened to go on strike on July 12 to protest a government directive to retest their members at a cost they say is punitive as it places a heavy burden on drivers who are already on low pay.
