Minimum Wage in Kenya: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Kenya?

As of November 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Kenya stands at KES 15,201 (117,65 US Dollars) per month following a 6% increase advocated by the Federation of Kenya Employers. This adjustment accounts for rising living costs and inflation.

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How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Kenya?

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees in Kenya are entitled to the minimum wage of KES 15,201 per month, which applies across various industries unless specific sector-based agreements dictate otherwise.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees receive pro-rated wages based on their hours worked in relation to the standard 52-hour workweek.

Interns and Trainees

Interns and trainees may not always be covered under minimum wage laws, especially if they are engaged in unpaid internship programs or training periods.

Expats

Expatriates working in Kenya must adhere to the same minimum wage regulations as local employees, unless otherwise stipulated by contract.

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Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Kenya

Industry-Specific Variations

Different industries may have varying minimum wage thresholds based on labor demand and skill requirements. High-demand sectors, such as healthcare and technology, often offer wages above the statutory minimum.

Economic Conditions

Economic factors like inflation, employment rates, and the cost of living play a crucial role in determining minimum wage adjustments.

Government Policies and Legislation

Minimum wage adjustments in Kenya are typically reviewed annually and announced during Labor Day celebrations, with final implementation dependent on economic conditions.

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Minimum Wage History and Trends in Kenya

• Historical Changes: ​Kenya's minimum wage policy has evolved over the decades, reflecting the nation's efforts to balance economic growth with the welfare of its workforce. The country’s minimum wage for unskilled workers increased from KES 1,700 per month in 1994 to KES 12,926 per month in 2017.  In May 2022, a 12% increase raised wages from KES 13,500 to KES 15,120 per month.
• Recent Regulations: In 2024, President William Ruto announced a 6% increase in the minimum wage, effective November 1, 2024, raising it to KES 15,201.65 per month.
• Future Projections:As of March 2025, the minimum wage remains at KES 15,201.65 per month. Future adjustments will likely depend on economic indicators such as inflation rates, cost of living, and labor market conditions. The Kenyan government continues to review wage policies to ensure they meet the evolving needs of its workforce.

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Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Kenya

Professionals in top-paying roles earn significantly more than the minimum wage, reflecting their specialized skills and responsibilities.​

Here are some of the highest-paying jobs in Kenya, along with their average monthly salaries:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): CEOs oversee the strategic direction and operations of organizations. They earn an average monthly salary of approximately KES  260,946.
• IT Director: Responsible for managing and implementing information technology strategies, IT Directors earn about KES 233,529 per month on average. ​
• Call Centre Director: Overseeing call center operations and ensuring service quality, Call Centre Directors have an average monthly income of KES 225,276.
• Leasing Director: Managing leasing strategies and property portfolios, Leasing Directors earn around KES 219,310 per month. ​
• Sales Director: Developing sales strategies and leading sales teams, Sales Directors receive an average salary of KES 212,143 per month.

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Discover Your Competitive Edge

Ensuring your compensation packages align with evolving minimum wage standards is crucial for attracting top talent and maintaining compliance. Try Playroll's Salary Benchmarking Tool today to align your pay scales with industry standards.

Salary Benchmarking

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How To Stay Compliant When Hiring in Kenya With Playroll

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
• ‍Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.
• ‍Meet minimum wage requirements: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for statutory benefits, minimum wage, and more.