Kenya’s monthly salary landscape in 2025 reflects significant variation across sectors, job levels, and regions. While headline figures suggest moderate growth, real earnings have been constrained by inflation, and disparities remain high between high-paying sectors and lower-paying roles.
Average Monthly Salary in Kenya
- The real average monthly salary in 2025 is approximately 55,451 Kenyan shillings.
- Public sector employees earn an average of 52,158 Kenyan shillings per month.
- Nominal wages have grown modestly in some sectors, but inflation has reduced overall purchasing power.
- Informal employment remains significant, with wages typically lower than formal sector averages.
Public Sector Salary Scales
Public servants are classified by job groups from A (lowest) to T (highest). Salary scales include basic pay and common allowances such as housing, commuter, and market adjustment. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of estimated gross monthly pay for 2025:
| Job Group | Basic Monthly Salary (KES) | Estimated Gross Pay (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 13,280 | 13,280 |
| B | 13,530 | 13,530 |
| C | 13,830 | 13,830 |
| D | 14,610 | 14,610 |
| E | 15,670 | 15,670 |
| F | 19,770 – 27,700 | 26,520 – 38,700 |
| G | 23,000 – 30,000 | 32,000 – 45,000 |
| H | 25,470 – 33,950 | 35,470 – 51,950 |
| J | 32,500 – 44,000 | 45,000 – 65,000 |
| K | 38,270 – 51,170 | 56,270 – 84,170 |
| L | 48,000 – 65,000 | 70,000 – 110,000 |
| M | 50,000 – 75,000 | 80,000 – 130,000 |
| N | 56,370 – 87,360 | 89,770 – 135,360 |
| P | 80,000 – 120,000 | 140,000 – 200,000 |
| R | 120,000 – 180,000 | 220,000 – 280,000 |
| S | 133,870 – 197,800 | 258,870 – 322,800 |
| T | 169,140 – 250,000 | 300,000 – 400,000 |
This table shows the full range from entry-level civil servants to senior state officials, highlighting how salaries vary dramatically with rank and allowances.
Sector Breakdown
Wages differ significantly by sector. The following table shows the approximate average monthly earnings in 2025:
| Sector | Average Monthly Earnings (KES) |
|---|---|
| Multilateral / NGO / International Organizations | 353,000 |
| Electricity, Gas, Steam & Utilities | 205,270 |
| Financial & Insurance Services | 198,082 |
| Administrative & Support Services | 164,205 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | 148,956 |
| Transportation & Storage | 144,471 |
| Health & Social Work (Private) | 107,766 |
| Public Health | 153,478 |
| Information & Communication | 113,752 |
| Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing | 48,000 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 65,000 |
| Education (Private) | 75,000 |
| Manufacturing | 85,000 |
| Construction | 90,000 |
High-paying sectors such as NGOs, multilateral agencies, and utilities show the largest gap compared to agriculture, private health, and information services.
Regional Disparities
County-level differences influence average earnings:
- Nairobi County: Average monthly earnings approximately 66,000 KES due to high economic activity.
- Mombasa County: 58,000 KES on average, reflecting port-related industries.
- Kiambu County: 55,000 KES on average, with proximity to Nairobi boosting wages.
- Mandera County: Lowest averages, around 20,000 KES, reflecting limited formal employment.
- Other counties vary between 25,000 KES and 50,000 KES depending on local economic activity.
These variations affect cost of living, purchasing power, and employment opportunities.
Real vs Nominal Pay
- While nominal salaries have grown in sectors such as finance, ICT, and energy, inflation has reduced real earnings, especially for lower and mid-level public servants.
- Workers in informal employment experience lower wages and limited benefits, reducing overall average earnings.
- Rising deductions for social protection, taxes, and other statutory contributions further reduce take-home pay.
Factors Affecting Salaries
- Inflation: Eats into real earnings.
- Sector: Specialized industries pay significantly more than general labor.
- Job Group / Seniority: Higher ranks in the public sector earn significantly more.
- Location: Urban centers pay more but have higher costs of living.
- Experience and Education: Higher qualifications yield higher pay.
Implications for Workers
- Average salary figures can be misleading: many workers earn below average, especially in informal and lower-paying sectors.
- Knowledge of public service scales can guide career planning and negotiations.
- Relocating to higher-paying counties may improve wages but may increase living costs.
- Specialized skills in high-paying sectors can provide significant income advantages.
Policy Considerations
- Adjusting public-sector wages to match inflation is critical for maintaining real purchasing power.
- Social protection and safety nets are increasingly important for low- and mid-income earners.
- Regional development programs are needed to reduce disparities in earnings across counties.
- Sector-specific strategies can help elevate wages in low-paying industries.
