COUNTRY

Employment contracts in Kenya can be either oral or written and for an indefinite or fixed term. A written contract is required for any work that exceeds three months. Employment contracts must be in the language of the employee. If the employee is illiterate, the contract must be explained to the employee in a language they understand.

Amendments to the employment contract including but not limited to leave and other benefits, payment methods and work location, must be in writing and provided to the employee within a month of the change. Employers are required to keep a copy of an employee's files for five years after termination.

In Kenya, the standard workweek cannot exceed 52 hours over six working days. For persons employed in night work, weekly working hours cannot go over 60. All employees are entitled to at least one day of rest for every seven workdays.

Employees receive 14 days of paid sick leave in Kenya after two consecutive months of service. Employees must provide a medical certificate. The first seven days are fully paid if the employee has at least two months of service. The remaining days are paid at 50%.

Female employees receive three months of fully paid maternity leave in Kenya. Employers can extend maternity leave. Male employees receive two weeks of paid paternity leave.

Kenya has a national minimum wage. Different sectors have their own minimum wages in Kenya that are determined by sector specific factors. However, they may not set a minimum wage lower than the national minimum wage set by the government of Kenya. Bonuses in Kenya are common.

Employees receive 21 days of paid annual leave in Kenya after one year of service.

In Kenya, the public holidays are:

• New Year’s Day

• Good Friday

• Easter Monday

• Labor Day

• Eid al-Fitr

• Madaraka Day

• Eid al-Adha

• Huduma Day

• Mashujaa Day

• Diwali

• Jamhuri Day

• Christmas Day

• Boxing Day

Kenya has a national healthcare system. Private insurance is recommended.

An employment contract for an indefinite duration can be terminated in Kenya by the employer or the employee. The notice period is up to 28 days and depends the on the interval at which the employee is paid: daily, less than one month, or monthly.

When an employer terminates an employee, it must pay any remuneration owed to the employee. Monthly paid employees may be eligible to receive severance in an amount that should be fixed by the employment contract, but some exceptions apply.