Kenya sets minimum wages by occupation and by area. Nairobi falls in the highest zone, with Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. The rates rose by 12% from 1 May 2026 under the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026.
Nairobi rates from 1 May 2026
Monthly basic minimum wages in the cities zone, before housing allowance:
- General labourer (including house workers, cleaners, gardeners, day guards and messengers): KES 18,047
- Waiters, cooks, turnboys and similar: KES 19,491
- Night watchman: KES 20,134
- Telephone operator, receptionist, storekeeper: KES 27,797
- Tailor, driver of a medium vehicle: KES 30,635
- Cashier, heavy commercial vehicle driver, Grade I artisan: KES 40,724
These are rounded to the shilling. The order lists many more occupations - check the full Legal Notice on Kenya Law for any job not shown here.
Housing allowance
The minimum is basic pay. If the employer does not provide housing, it must add a housing allowance of 15% of basic pay on top.
Who is covered
- Most private-sector workers paid under the general order, including domestic workers. See Hiring household staff.
- Agricultural workers have a separate order with their own rates.
- Some sectors have their own agreements (collective bargaining agreements) that set higher pay.
Minimum wage is before deductions. PAYE is usually nil at this level, but NSSF, SHIF and the Housing Levy are still deducted. See the household staff calculator and the salary calculator.
Arrears
The 2026 order was published after 1 May but applies from that date, so workers paid the old rate from May are owed the difference.
If you are paid less
- Raise it with your employer in writing, showing the rate.
- Contact the Labour Office - the county labour officer can investigate and help resolve it.
- The Employment and Labour Relations Court handles unresolved claims.
Paying below the minimum wage is an offence, and underpayments can be claimed back.