Key Facts: Kenya Wages
- Country
- Kenya (KEN)
- Continent
- Africa
- Currency
- Kenyan Shilling (KES)
- Minimum Wage
- KSh93 /hr ($0.61 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- KSh50,000 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- KSh600,000 /year
- Median Individual Income
- KSh180,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 52 hours
- Data Source
- Ministry of Labour and Social Protection; Legal Notice No. 164 of 2024 (eff 2024-11-01) per labour.go.ke gazette PDF
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-27
Kenya — Average Salary & Wages
Kenyan Shilling (KES) Data verified Nov 2024 Sources
The average salary in Kenya is
KSh600,000 a year
But half of all workers earn less than KSh180,000 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Kenya is KSh93/hr ($0.61 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is KSh50,000 ($325.73 USD). The median monthly income is KSh15,000 ($97.72 USD).
The Numbers
Estimates. Including informal sector workers, median income is much lower than formal sector averages.
Average monthly earnings in the formal sector (both public and private). The formal sector employs only ~17% of the workforce. Wages in the informal sector ('jua kali') are significantly lower.
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- KSh93
- Monthly
- KSh16,113.75Cities (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu) unskilled general labourer rate
Kenya's minimum wages are gazetted under the Regulation of Wages and Conditions of Employment Act. Legal Notice No. 164 of 2024 (eff 1 Nov 2024) established three geographic tiers for general labourers. Rates also vary by skill level (skilled workers 2-3× unskilled rate) and sector (agricultural workers have separate rates). The prior Notice set rates in November 2023 at 15,201/13,572 KES.
What It Buys
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Kenya, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $2.15/hr in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Kenya earns KSh16,113.75/mo. That is 32% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- KSh16,113.75 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 32% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $104.98/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +25% since 2015
Sending money to Kenya? Compare the real cost first.
Wise shows the mid-market exchange rate and its fee up front, so you can see exactly what arrives before you send.
Affiliate link: wage.is may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
Check the cost of sending with Wise →How It Changed
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2015, the minimum wage has grown +25% in nominal terms.
Where It Varies
• SECTOR RATES
Cities (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu)
KSh93 /hr
General labourer (unskilled) rate for cities per Legal Notice No. 164 of 2024
Former Municipalities and Town Councils
KSh85.78 /hr
General labourer (unskilled) rate per Legal Notice No. 164 of 2024
All Other Areas
KSh49.59 /hr
General labourer (unskilled) rate per Legal Notice No. 164 of 2024
Work Week
- Standard
- 52 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 52 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Employment Act sets maximum normal working hours at 52 per week. Most formal sector employees work 40-45 hours by contract. Overtime paid at 1.5x normal rate. Work on rest days paid at 2x. Public holidays at 2x.
How It Compares
How Kenya Compares
| Metric | Kenya | Africa Avg. | Africa Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $0.61/hr | $0.91/hr | $6.06/hr (Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha) |
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $325.73/mo | $381.27/mo | $1,625/mo (Mauritania) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mozambique | $0.60 |
| Uzbekistan | $0.62 |
| Pakistan | $0.57 |
| Egypt | $0.57 |
| Togo | $0.54 |
| Kenya | $0.61 |
Related Wage Comparisons
• NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Compare Kenya
South Africa 
Nigeria 
Egypt 
Algeria 
United States 
United Kingdom Popular Comparisons
South Africa Nigeria Egypt Algeria 
Angola 
Botswana 
Burkina Faso 
Burundi United States 
China 
Germany United Kingdom 
India 
Japan 
France More in Africa
Benin Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Kenya?
The minimum wage in Kenya is KSh93/hr (approximately $0.61 USD), effective since 2024-11-01. Kenya's minimum wages are gazetted under the Regulation of Wages and Conditions of Employment Act. Legal Notice No. 164 of 2024 (eff 1 Nov 2024) established three geographic tiers for general labourers. Rates also vary by skill level (skilled workers 2-3× unskilled rate) and sector (agricultural workers have separate rates). The prior Notice set rates in November 2023 at 15,201/13,572 KES.
What is the average salary in Kenya?
The average gross monthly salary in Kenya is KSh50,000 (approximately $325.73 USD). Average monthly earnings in the formal sector (both public and private). The formal sector employs only ~17% of the workforce. Wages in the informal sector ('jua kali') are significantly lower. Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) (2024).
How many hours is the standard work week in Kenya?
The standard work week in Kenya is 52 hours, with a legal maximum of 52 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Employment Act sets maximum normal working hours at 52 per week. Most formal sector employees work 40-45 hours by contract. Overtime paid at 1.5x normal rate. Work on rest days paid at 2x. Public holidays at 2x.
How has the minimum wage in Kenya changed over time?
The minimum wage in Kenya has changed as follows: KSh12,926 in 2015, KSh13,572 in 2018, KSh13,572 in 2022, KSh15,201 in 2023, KSh16,113.75 in 2024. This represents 5 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Kenya in USD?
The minimum wage in Kenya converts to approximately $0.61/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Kenya in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Kenya is approximately $325.73 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Kenya's minimum wage compare to the Africa average?
Kenya's minimum wage ranks #15 out of 33 countries with statutory minimum wages in Africa, placing it near the median for Africa.
From Insights
All Insights →In-depth wage analysis and data stories from wage.is Insights.