Hiring in Kenya - How To Hire Kenyan Employee

What should I know about hiring in Kenya?

Hiring a local workforce from Kenya can be beneficial for your organisation, considering the diverse pool of talents in a variety of fields. However, prior to initiating the hiring procedure, it’s recommended that employers gain a thorough understanding of Kenyan local labour laws and regulations.

Kenya has a specific set of labour laws that govern various aspects of employment, including contracts, minimum wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and employment termination procedures.

Aside from strict employment laws, Kenya is a culturally diverse country with over 40 ethnic groups. Therefore, employers must acknowledge and respect cultural differences to promote inclusivity in the workplace and gain success in the country’s business landscape.

Why is Kenya a good choice for finding remote employees?

As a country, Kenya offers several compelling reasons for considering it as a viable option for hiring remote workers.

In the first place, Kenya has a growing pool of talented and skilled individuals in fields such as technology, digital marketing, writing, and more. This makes it easier to find remote employees with the right set of skills needed for your business operations.

Besides being the home of a lot of skilled professionals, Kenya recognises 2 official languages, among which is English. The language proficiency of Kenyan employees will facilitate smooth communication among team members and with clients, especially in roles that require strong language skills.

Finally, the cost of living and operating in Kenya is generally lower than in many Western countries. This financial advantage allows employers to achieve cost-effective hiring without compromising quality.

How can Native Teams help you hire in Kenya?

If you’re facing challenges in hiring employees in Kenya due to regulatory complexities, language barriers, and cultural differences, Native Teams is here to assist. Our Employer of record solutions cover navigating global payroll, tax frameworks, and HR administration and paperwork while keeping up with compliant legal practices. Our professional tax and law compliance teams are at your service, offering guidance and support for a successful global expansion.

Hire your first Kenyan employee with Native Teams.

Legal requirements for hiring in Kenya

Minimum wage

The minimum monthly wage in Kenya is KES 15,201.

Contributions & taxes

Employer tax

The total employer payroll tax in Kenya is 6% + KES 50 per employee.

Corporate tax

Kenya has a corporate tax of 30%.

Employee tax

The total employee cost in Kenya is 6%.

Income tax

Income taxes in Kenya are calculated progressively:

On the first KES 288.000 per year – 10%
On the next KES 100.000 – 25%
On the next KES 5.612.000 – 30%
On the next KES 3.600.000 – 32.5%
Over KES 9.600.000 per year – 35%

To calculate the salary and taxes in Kenya please click here.

Payroll cycle

Employees in Kenya receive their salaries on a monthly basis.

Is there a 13th salary in Kenya?

There are no statutory requirements to submit a 13th salary in Kenya.

Labor rules

Probation period

Probation period in Kenya can not be longer than 6 months.

Notice period

Regular employees in Kenya must receive a notice period of at least 28 days.

Severance period

Severance pay in Kenya is equivalent to 15 days for every year of work and is only applicable if termination is due to redundancy.

Working hours

The general work week in Kenya consists of 52 working hours.

Leave and benefits

Public holidays

The following is a list of the public holidays celebrated in Kenya:

New Year’s Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Labour Day
Id-ul-Fitr
Madaraka Day
Idd-ul-Azha
Utamaduni Day
Mashujaa Day
Jamhuri Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
Christmas

Sick leave

Employees in Kenya are entitled to 7 days of fully paid, and 7 days of half paid sick leave.

Maternity leave & Paternity leave

Female employees are entitled to 3 months of fully paid maternity leave and must submit a 7 days notice and a medical certificate to be eligible. Male employees are entitled to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave.

Other leave

Bereavement leave

Employees in Kenya are entitled to bereavement leave. Depending on the company policy, bereavement leave is typically deducted from the annual leave entitlements.

Parental leave

In case of adoption, parents are entitled to 1 month of fully paid pre-adoption leave with 14 days of notice and relevant paperwork.

What are the minimum vacation days?

Kenyan employees are entitled to 21 days of paid annual leave after completing 1 year of employment.

Insurance

Health security & private insurance

Anyone who has worked for an employer for at least three months within the previous fifteen months is entitled to free medical and dental care through the Social Security Administration.

*Native Teams can support you in finding the best private insurance in the country. Contact us, and we will send a comparison of insurance packages and prices.*

Visa

Relocation and work permits

Native Teams will apply for your work visa in the nation on your behalf and serve as your Employer of Record. All the required documents can be uploaded using our app. Until you have your work and residency visa, Native Teams will support you by providing you with frequent information on the progress.

How long is the visa/work permit process?

2 to 4 weeks depending on the authorities and provided documents.

Which documents do you need?

To apply for a visa/work permit in Kenya, upload the documents from our onboarding list (relocation to log in/pricing).

Why use Native Teams for hiring in Kenya?

Native Teams lets you employ team members ‘like a local’ meaning you get all the benefits of a global team, wherever you are based. Here are the reasons why you should use Native Teams for hiring:

No paperwork: We will handle all the necessary paperwork for you.
Save on taxes: We help you handle your taxes.
No company set up: You can expand your business using our company entitles.
Online onboarding: We’re here to ensure your onboarding process is trouble-free.
No accounting: We will handle all of your accounting needs, including invoicing, payroll, and more.
Increase your profit: We assist you in growing your business and maximizing your profits.
Compliance expertise: we can assist your company in navigating the regulatory environments and ensure you meet all relevant requirements.
Local support: We can assist you in understanding and complying with the relevant local laws.