The Employment Act 2007 sets the floor for every job in Kenya. A contract can give you more than the Act, never less.
The contract
A job that lasts three months or more must have a written contract. It should set out your job title, pay, working hours, leave and notice. Before you sign, check what counts as basic pay and what as allowances, because NSSF is worked out on pensionable pay. See the employment contract checklist.
Leave
Check your balance with the leave calculator.
| Leave | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Annual leave | 21 working days a year, after twelve months |
| Maternity leave | 3 months on full pay |
| Paternity leave | 2 weeks on full pay |
| Sick leave | 7 days on full pay and 7 on half pay a year, after two months |
Public holidays are paid days off. If you work on one, you are owed more; see Public holidays in Kenya.
Probation and notice
- Probation can last up to 6 months, and can be extended once by up to six more months with your agreement. During probation either side can end the job on seven days’ notice.
- Notice after probation is at least 28 days for someone paid monthly, unless the contract gives more. An employer can pay you in lieu of notice.
Hours and overtime
Work out your own with the overtime calculator.
The general wage regulations set a normal week of 52 hours, or 60 for night workers. Overtime is paid at one and a half times the normal rate on ordinary days, and double on rest days and public holidays. Many office contracts set shorter hours; the contract applies if it is better for you.
Minimum wage
Minimum wages are set by occupation and area. In Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu a general labourer - a cleaner, gardener, house worker or day watchman - must be paid at least KES 18,047 a month from 1 May 2026. If the employer does not provide housing, it must add a housing allowance of 15% of basic pay on top.
Redundancy and dismissal
Add up what you are owed with the final dues calculator.
- Redundancy must be notified to you and the local labour officer at least a month in advance. Severance is at least 15 days’ pay for each completed year of service.
- Dismissal needs a valid reason and a fair procedure, including the chance to be heard. Summary dismissal without notice is only for gross misconduct.
Employing someone at home
See Hiring household staff and the household staff calculator.
Many households employ a house manager, nanny, gardener or askari. You are their employer:
- Pay at least the minimum wage, plus housing allowance if they do not live in.
- Put the terms in writing.
- Register them for NSSF, SHIF and the Housing Levy, and pay your share.
- Give them their annual leave and the public holidays.
When things go wrong
- Raise it in writing with your employer, and keep copies of your contract, payslips and messages.
- Report it to the county labour office, which can call both sides to a conciliation meeting.
- If that fails, claims go to the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Working as a foreigner
You need a work permit before you start. See Moving to Nairobi.