Hire Kenyan talent and run payroll that keeps up with the rules
Kenya's tech ecosystem is thriving, but NSSF reforms, SHIF health contributions, and the Housing Levy mean payroll changes frequently. Kashia Hire finds verified professionals; Kashia HR applies the latest statutory rates automatically.
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Capital
Nairobi
Working languages
English & Swahili
Typical pay cycle
Monthly
Statutory benefits
What employers must provide in Kenya
Every market has non-negotiable contributions and entitlements. Kashia HR tracks and calculates these automatically, no spreadsheets required.
- PAYE income tax (progressive bands)
- NSSF, National Social Security Fund (6% + 6%)
- SHIF, Social Health Insurance Fund (2.75% of gross)
- Affordable Housing Levy (1.5% employee + 1.5% employer)
Kashia Hire
Kenya's top remote talent
Hire engineers, analysts, and operators from Nairobi and beyond. Kashia handles employment contracts and statutory enrolment without requiring you to register a Kenyan entity.
Learn moreKashia HR
Always-current Kenyan payroll
NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy, and PAYE calculated with the latest rates. Monthly remittance tracking, payslips, and KRA filing support built in.
Learn moreKashia Vault
Cross-border deal protection
Hold project funds in escrow until Kenyan deliverables are approved, protecting both international clients and local service providers.
Learn more
Onboarding
Contract signed
Step 2 of 3
Pay and manage Kenyan employees without the paperwork pile
Kenyan employment law requires registration with KRA, NSSF, SHIF, and compliance with the Housing Levy. Keeping up with rate changes and filing deadlines is a full-time job on its own.
Kashia automates the calculations, generates compliant payslips, and tracks remittance deadlines, so your Kenyan team gets paid correctly while you focus on growing the business.
Reference guide
Hiring in Kenya: what you need to know
Pay, leave, onboarding, and compliance essentials, updated for teams using Kashia.
Minimum wage
Minimum wage in Kenya varies by sector and location (general, agricultural, and city-specific orders). Confirm the applicable wage order for your industry before hiring.
Individual income tax (PAYE)
PAYE is calculated on progressive monthly bands. Employees receive a personal relief of KES 2,400 per month (2024/25), which reduces tax payable.
| Monthly taxable pay (KES) | Rate |
|---|---|
| First 24,000 | 10% |
| 24,001 – 32,333 | 25% |
| 32,334 – 500,000 | 30% |
| 500,001 – 800,000 | 32.5% |
| Above 800,000 | 35% |
Statutory deductions
- NSSF, 6% employee + 6% employer (two-tier structure on pensionable earnings)
- SHIF, 2.75% of gross monthly pay (replaced NHIF in 2024)
- Affordable Housing Levy, 1.5% employee + 1.5% employer of gross salary
- PAYE, per KRA bands after personal relief
Filing deadlines
PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, and Housing Levy are typically due to KRA and respective funds by the 9th of the following month. Late filing attracts penalties and interest.
Figures are provided as general estimates for planning purposes. Tax rates, contribution caps, and filing deadlines change, confirm current rules with a qualified advisor or use Kashia HR for up-to-date calculations.
Ready to hire in Kenya?
Book a call with our team or explore Kashia Hire and Kashia HR to see how we handle contracts, payroll, and compliance for you.