Kenya Employment Guide

Kenya Employment Guide

Kenya is in eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean and located in the Great Rift Valley region, with abundant natural and tourism resources. It has ~52 million people, one of the most populous countries in Africa. Its economy focuses on agriculture, services, manufacturing, tourism and information and communication technology, with Nairobi (the capital) as the political, economic and transportation center. Kenya’s labor laws allow employment contracts to be written or oral, set a 52-hour standard workweek (varies by industry), and require employers to guarantee minimum wages, social security and statutory benefits. Dismissals must follow legal procedures and provide compensation. The labor relations system is gradually improving, but compliance requirements still need attention in some industries.

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Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Capital

Nairobi

Official language

English and Swahili

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Kenya

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Paid Time Off Policy in Kenya

Both full-time and part-time employees at SailGlobal are entitled to 21 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually. This benefit accrues at a rate of 1.75 days per month, allowing employees to utilize their accumulated leave starting from their first day of employment. This progressive approach supports work-life balance from the outset of an employee's tenure.

Kenyan Public Holidays

Kenya observes 13 national public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country's diverse cultural and religious heritage, providing employees with regular opportunities for rest and celebration. The complete list includes:

  1. New Year's Day
  2. Good Friday
  3. Easter Monday
  4. Labor Day
  5. Eid al-Fitr
  6. Madaraka Day
  7. Eid al-Adha
  8. Mashujaa Day
  9. Jamhuri Day
  10. Christmas Day
  11. Boxing Day
  12. Utamaduni Day
  13. Heroes' Day

Implementation Best Practices

International companies like SailGlobal often implement floating holiday policies to accommodate diverse religious observances. For instance, employees might exchange certain fixed holidays for days that hold personal significance, creating a more inclusive workplace environment that respects individual beliefs and traditions.

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