Minimum Wage in Kenya: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Kenya?

Kenya’s minimum wage is set through government wage orders and varies by location and job category, rather than being a single flat national rate. As of 2026, the minimum wage in major urban areas is approximately KES 16,114 per month(around USD 120–125, depending on exchange rates). This rate reflects the most recent statutory adjustments aimed at keeping pace with rising living costs and inflation.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Kenya?

Minimum wage rules in Kenya differ based on factors such as region (urban vs rural), type of work, and job classification. Employers are required to apply the correct wage rate under the applicable wage order, ensuring compliance with labour laws and fair pay practices.

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.

Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Kenya

Kenya’s minimum wage isn’t set in a vacuum. It’s shaped by a mix of economic realities, industry needs, and government policy, which means rates can change over time and differ across sectors. Here are the main factors that influence how minimum wage levels are set and adjusted.

Industry-Specific Variations

Different industries can have different minimum wage thresholds depending on labour demand and skill requirements. High-demand sectors such as healthcare and technology often offer wages above the statutory minimum to attract and retain skilled workers.

Economic Conditions

Economic factors like inflation, employment levels, and the overall cost of living play a key role in minimum wage decisions. When living costs rise, pressure typically increases for wage adjustments.

Government Policies and Legislation

Minimum wage changes in Kenya are usually reviewed annually and are often announced during Labour Daycelebrations. Final implementation depends on broader economic conditions and formal government wage orders.

Minimum Wage History and Trends in Kenya

Kenya’s minimum wage has gradually increased over the years as the government has tried to balance economic growth with the cost of living for workers. Historically, wages were much lower – for example, the monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers rose from KES 1,700 in 1994 to KES 12,926 by 2017, reflecting steady long-term growth.

More recently, wage increases have been tied more closely to inflation and living costs. In May 2022, a 12% increaseraised the minimum wage from around KES 13,500 to KES 15,120 per month. This was followed by another adjustment in 2024, when President William Ruto announced a 6% increase, effective 1 November 2024, setting the minimum wage at KES 15,201.65 per month.

As of 2026, the minimum wage has since moved up again under the most recent wage orders. In major urban areas, the minimum wage is now approximately KES 16,114 per month, reflecting continued efforts to respond to rising living costs.

Looking ahead, future adjustments are expected to depend on:

• Inflation and cost-of-living trends
• Employment levels and labour market conditions
• Government wage policy reviews and Gazette notices

The Kenyan government continues to review minimum wage policy regularly to ensure it remains aligned with economic conditions and the needs of its workforce.

Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Kenya

Professionals in top-paying roles in Kenya earn significantly more than the statutory minimum wage, reflecting their seniority, specialised skills, and level of responsibility. While pay can vary by company size and sector, the roles below consistently sit at the higher end of the salary spectrum in 2026:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): CEOs are responsible for overall strategy and performance. In 2026, they typically earn KES 260,000 to KES 350,000+ per month, with compensation often increasing substantially at larger or multinational firms.
• IT Director: IT Directors lead technology strategy, infrastructure, and digital transformation. Average monthly earnings are usually in the range of KES 230,000 to KES 300,000, particularly in tech, finance, and telecoms.
• Call Centre Director: Overseeing large operations and service delivery, Call Centre Directors generally earn KES 220,000 to KES 280,000 per month, depending on scale and client base.
• Leasing Director: Leasing Directors managing commercial or residential property portfolios typically earn KES 210,000 to KES 270,000 per month, especially in real estate and property management firms.
• Sales Director: Sales Directors responsible for revenue growth and team leadership usually earn KES 210,000 to KES 300,000+ per month, often with performance-based bonuses on top.

These salaries are many times higher than Kenya’s 2026 minimum wage, highlighting the gap between entry-level statutory pay and compensation for senior, high-skill roles.

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