Explore top job salaries in Kenya by department (2026). See minimum, average, and maximum pay, city comparisons, in-demand jobs, and career tips.
Introduction
If you’re planning your career or looking for a better-paying job in Kenya, understanding salary trends is very important. Salaries in Kenya vary depending on the department, experience level, and location.
As of 2025, the average monthly salary in Kenya is around KES 75,000, but this can range widely depending on the job.
In this guide, we break down salaries across major departments to help you make smarter career decisions.
Salary Overview (Monthly)
- Minimum Salary: KES 20,000
- Average Salary: KES 75,000
- Maximum Salary: KES 1,000,000+
Entry-level jobs typically earn KES 25K–50K, while senior roles can exceed KES 300K+
Salary Comparison Chart (By Department)
Top Salaries by Department
| Departments | Salaries | Top roles | ||
| Minimum | Average | Maximum | ||
| IT & Technology | 50K | 200K | 1.5M | Software Dev. |
| Data Scientist | ||||
| Cyber Security | ||||
| Finance & Business | 40K | 180K | 1M+ | Accountant |
| Finance Manager | ||||
| CFO | ||||
| Health & Medical | 60K | 220K | 1M+ | Doctor |
| Specialist | ||||
| Surgeon | ||||
| Engineering & Technical | 50K | 160K | 600K | Civil Engineer |
| Project Manager | ||||
| Legal & Governance | 60K | 170K | 800K | Lawyer |
| Legal Advisor | ||||
| Education & Training | 25K | 90K | 500K | Teacher |
| Lecturer | ||||
| Professor | ||||
Salaries by Major Locations in Kenya
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Nairobi | 80K – 300K |
| Mombasa | 50K – 150K |
| Kisumu | 40K – 120K |
| Nakuru | 40K – 120K |
| Eldoret | 35K – 100K |
👉 Nairobi offers the highest salaries due to multinational companies and NGOs.
Most In-Demand Jobs in Kenya (2026)
- Software Developers
- Data Analysts / Data Scientists
- Medical Doctors
- Digital Marketers
- Engineers
- NGO Program Managers
- Cybersecurity Experts
- Finance Analysts
Career Growth Opportunities
- IT and digital skills offer the fastest growth
- Healthcare and finance provide long-term stability
- NGOs and international organizations offer global exposure
How to Increase Your Salary Faster
- Learn high-income skills (tech, finance, healthcare)
- Get certifications (CPA, PMP, AWS, etc.)
- Switch companies every 2–3 years
- Build a strong LinkedIn profile
- Work with international organizations
Top Paying Companies & Organizations
| IT & Tech | Finance | NGOs & International |
| Safaricom | Equity Bank | UN Agencies |
| Google Kenya | KCB Bank | World Bank |
| Microsoft Africa | Deloitte | Save the Children |
FAQs
1. What is the average salary in Kenya?
Around KES 75,000 per month.
2. Which job pays the most in Kenya?
Specialist doctors, IT executives, and CEOs.
3. Which sector grows fastest?
Technology and digital jobs.
4. Is Nairobi better for jobs?
Yes, it offers the highest salaries and opportunities.