Minimum Wage in Kenya

Kenya sets minimum wages by job and location. A general labourer, cleaner or watchman in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru or Eldoret must get at least KSh 18,047.40 a month from 1 May 2026, after a 12% rise.

An hour KSh 80.09

A week KSh 4,164.78

A month KSh 18,047.40 ≈ $139

A year KSh 216,568.80

General labourer, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, since 1 May 2026. The legal rate is set a month (highlighted); the others assume 52 hours a week. All amounts are before tax.

Minimum wage calculator for Kenya

Change the hours to see what the minimum pays for part-time work or overtime, or enter your own hourly pay.

Pay an hour (KES) Hours a week

A week: KSh 4,164.78
A month: KSh 18,047.40
A year: KSh 216,568.80

Months are 52 weeks ÷ 12. Paid holidays, overtime premiums and extra monthly payments are not included.

Who is covered

Varies by region

Rates are lower in other towns (KSh 16,650.95 in former municipalities) and rural areas, and higher for skilled jobs such as drivers and artisans. Farm workers have a separate order, raised 15%.

Next change

New rates are usually announced on Labour Day, 1 May.

Checked 23 October 2026 against labour ministries, official gazettes and recent reporting. Your own minimum can depend on your age, sector, region or contract, so check with the labour authority or your union. This is a summary, not legal advice. Sources: Kenyans.co.ke: CS Mutua formalises 12% minimum wage increase.

Salary calculator

Turn hourly pay into yearly salary and back.

Working days in Kenya

Business days and hours by month this year.

Currency converter

Compare wages across currencies at today’s rate.