Pay & working terms · 2 min read
Employment contract in Kenya: checks before signing
Read the written particulars, pay, place of work, leave and notice terms before accepting a job, then keep your own signed copy.
An offer can be exciting, especially after a long search. Before accepting it, make time to read the terms you are being asked to sign. Kenyan law requires written particulars for employment lasting three months or more.
Get the written particulars
Section 9 of the Employment Act says a contract of service for three months or more must be in writing. Section 10 lists particulars an employer must state, including the employee’s name, age, permanent address and sex, the employer’s name, job title or description, start date, form and duration of the contract, place of work and hours of work.
It also covers remuneration, intervals of payment, benefits, annual leave entitlement, incapacity provisions, notice and any collective agreement that affects the terms. Ask for a readable copy before you sign.
Check the money and job terms
Confirm whether the stated figure is basic pay, gross pay or a consolidated amount. Check how often you will be paid, what benefits are listed and whether an allowance is part of the figure or separate.
Match the job title, duty station and contract duration to the role you discussed. If a term is unclear, ask for an explanation in writing before accepting.
Keep your copy and records
Keep the signed contract, offer letter, job advert and later payslips together. Photograph or scan your copy and store it securely. Do not sign a blank form or a document you have not been allowed to read.
A contract does not make unlawful terms lawful. If you need advice about a particular dispute, take your documents to a labour officer or seek qualified legal advice.
Do not pay to start work
A genuine employer does not charge you an application fee, a job-security deposit or a fee to release your contract. Check unexpected requests using the employer’s official contact details.
If you decline an offer, keep a record of the reason for yourself. It can make later job searches more focused.
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Frequently asked questions
When must a Kenyan employment contract be in writing?
When the employment is for three months or more.
Should I sign an unread contract?
No. Ask for time to read it and keep your own copy.