Kenya is a good outsourcing destination due to its cost-effective labor, growing talent pool, and stable political environment. Employers looking to outsource in the country may wonder, what is the average salary in Kenya? This information will help them prepare a fair offer.

The average monthly salary in Kenya is 25,368 Kenyan shillings (KES), or about USD 159. However, salary levels are affected by experience, education, location, position, and industry. Comparing Kenyan salaries to wages worldwide can also provide perspective.

This guide will review all aspects of salaries in Kenya for a deeper understanding.

What is the Average Salary in Kenya?

You can calculate average wages by adding up salaries across the country and dividing the sum by the total number of workers. The average salary in Kenya is 25,368 shillings, or $159. Wages in the country are low due to low living costs, a low minimum wage, and an informal work economy. 

Median Income

The median salary can also be considered the ‘middle salary’. Kenya’s median monthly income is about 20,300 KES, or approximately $127. Half the country’s workers earn higher salaries, and the other half earn less.

Salary Range

The salary range spans from the lowest to highest salaries in the country. In Kenya, low earners make around 16,000 KES monthly (about $100), while high earners make close to 90,000 KES (approximately $563).

Salary Comparison by Profession

Average salaries provide some insight, but you must also consider how wages are impacted by education, experience, location, position, and industry. The following sections will explore how these factors affect earnings. 

PositionAverage Monthly Earnings (KES)
Chief Executive Officer260,946
IT Director233,529
Call Center Director225,276
Sales Director212,143
IT Architect192,760
Lead Developer186,602
Financial Manager186,164
Marketing Director178,227
Department Director172,446
Logistics Director167,836
Fabric Cutter46,073
General Laborer45,789
Concierge45,034
Clothing Technologist44,469
Packer44,425
Seamstress42,896
Medical Records Clerk41,322
Tailor41,002
Porter40,847

Average Wage in Kenya by Education

Education is a factor in wage determination. Educated workers find jobs more quickly, and are more likely to qualify for high-paying work. The more educated workers are, the better their job opportunities will be.

A 2017 report reveals workers with 6 years of education see a 4% return in the workforce, while workers with 14 years of schooling see a 22% return.

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience also affects wage earnings. Entry-level workers earn less than experienced workers, and employees who have worked for a company for some time become eligible for raises. 

In Kenya, experience is a more significant factor in skilled industries. For example, a telecommunications worker with experience in their sector may see a salary increase from 50,000 KES to 190,000 KES. Meanwhile, a manufacturing worker will only see a maximum salary of 77,500 KES.

Salary Comparison by Location

Location also affects salaries. Workers in urban areas, such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Lamu, tend to earn more than those in rural areas due to a higher cost of living and proximity to large companies with more and better-paying job opportunities. In Kenya, salaries may also vary due to differences in labor laws across various markets. 

How Much is Minimum Wage in Kenya?

Kenya’s last minimum wage increase took effect on Nov. 1, 2024. Under the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, minimum wages vary by occupation and location. In major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, general laborers earn KES  16,113.75 per month. Minimum wages are lower in smaller towns and rural areas, and rates differ depending on skill level and job classification.

Average Salary in Kenya vs. the Rest of the World

The following charts offer more perspective on salaries in Kenya by comparing them to wages in developed, developing, and underdeveloped countries worldwide. 

Kenya vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Kenya Salary
United Kingdom£3,000 (approx. $4,100) − 2,478%
United States$5,220 − 3,183%
Norway50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700) − 2,857%
Germany€4,300 (approx. $4,470) − 2,711%
Austria€3,700 (approx. $4,050) − 2,448%

Kenya vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Kenya Salary
Romania4,000 RON (approx. $835) − 425%
Russia73,700 RUB (approx. $700) − 340%
Albania83,330 ALL (approx. $860) − 441%
Kazakhstan342,000 KZT (approx. $645) – 306%
Ukraine18,000 UAH (approx. $500) – 214%

Kenya vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Kenya Salary
Thailand15,000 Baht (approx. $420) – 164%
Philippines15,000 PHP (approx. $265) – 67%
Vietnam7.5 million Dong (approx. $300) – 89%
Egypt14,317 EGP (approx. $284) – 79%
Pakistan60,000 PKR (approx. $210) – 32%

Kenya is a developing country with a lower-middle-income economy. Despite poverty and weak governance, it shows strong economic growth and leads industrial development in East Africa. The agricultural sector dominates the work economy, although ICT, healthcare, and building and construction are other strong industries. 

The country is a good outsourcing destination due to its low labor costs, growing talent pool, and high English proficiency. The government supports the outsourcing industry through various policies and initiatives. Kenya also offers positive time zone alignment with European and Asian countries. 

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Kenya?

Employers considering outsourcing to Kenya should focus on the following industries.

IT Services

Kenya boasts a thriving IT industry and a rapidly growing tech hub. It is often called a “Silicon Savannah” focusing on AI, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Nairobi is a center for tech growth with various startups and significant tech companies opening operations in the area. 

Tech workers in Kenya earn around 125,000 KES (about $781) monthly compared to American workers who make closer to $5,000 per month. Employers who outsource to the country may significantly reduce human resource expenses. 

Customer Service

Kenya is emerging as a hub for customer service, focusing on call center operations. Its tech-savvy population and high English proficiency make it a desirable source for labor. The government actively supports the development of the BPO industry through training initiatives. 

Customer service reps in the country earn around 96,215 KES or $601 monthly, while American workers earn closer to $3,500. Companies seeking outsourcing partnerships can save considerably.

Data Entry

Kenya’s growing tech sector makes it a prime source for data entry workers. Employers seeking data entry specialists can benefit from cost-effective labor and high English proficiency. Typical tasks include transcribing data from paper to digital, entering customer information into databases, and updating spreadsheets with new information.

Data entry workers in Kenya typically earn about 32,600 KES monthly, about $204.

Conclusion

Kenya’s skilled workforce, low-cost labor, and stable business environment make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers who hire in the area can benefit from reduced expenses and high-quality products and services while helping workers overcome poverty, providing a favorable environment for all parties.