13/09: The Cost of Living increases annually all over the world – but sometimes it gets a boost from within a country. The recent elections – and upcoming new elections – in Kenya are expected to boost Cost of Living expenses.
Why? Kenya is set to hold another expensive election—with taxpayers expected to foot the $117 million needed for the upcoming presidential poll. Most of the cost will go towards facilitating human resources and logistics. The announcement comes barely a month after Kenya held one of Africa’s most expensive elections. The August 8 general elections cost taxpayers a whopping $480 million, with the largest allotment going to the electoral commission.
So instead of the money being utilised by other sectors – education, health, food subsidies etc – it is going to be spent on a repeat election because the first one was not deemed legitimate. The question is – can people afford it?
WageIndicator in Kenya has a comprehensive Cost of Living Survey which helps to gather information on Costs in the country. By answering a number of simple questions relating to the cost of goods and services, it is possible to then calculate what a Living Wage should be, per country. The goods range from common food items (eg milk, bread etc) and the services include commuting costs. By taking the survey, you will be contributing to Salary Research in Kenya
Take the Cost of Living survey here
What is Minimum Wage?
If your Cost of Living is too expensive in terms of what you earn, are you earning a Minimum Wage? And if so, what is this?
According to ILO, Minimum Wage is the "minimum sum payable to a worker for work performed or services rendered, within a given period, whether calculated on the basis of time or output, which may not be reduced either by individual or collective agreement, which is guaranteed by law and which may be fixed in such a way as to cater to the minimum needs of the worker and his/her family, in the light of national economic and social conditions".
This definition makes two points. First, Minimum Wage is the minimum amount of money that should be paid to a worker. It is a floor; workers and employers, through collective agreements, can raise the floor but they can't reduce it. Second, Minimum Wage is guaranteed under law. And it is fixed by the government, usually in consultation with employer and employee organizations, in such a way as to cater to the minimum needs of workers and their families in the light of national economic and social conditions. This means that the wage is subject to change in response to the so-called national socio-economic conditions.