On a basic KES 30,000 a month, your hourly rate is at least KES 133.33. Ten hours of weekday overtime at time and a half comes to KES 2,000, and eight hours on your rest day at double time comes to KES 2,133.33, so KES 4,133.33 in all before deductions. That's the floor in the Regulation of Wages (General) Order. It's an estimate, not legal advice, and your contract can pay better.
How is overtime calculated in Kenya?
Paragraph 6 of the Regulation of Wages (General) Order sets three steps. First, divide your basic monthly pay by 225 to get the hourly rate. Then multiply by 1.5 for hours over your normal week, or by 2 for hours on your rest day or a public holiday. Then multiply by the hours worked.
- Basic KES 30,000: hourly 133.33, time and a half 200.00, double time 266.67.
- Basic KES 18,047.40, the Nairobi general labourer minimum: hourly 80.21, time and a half 120.32, double time 160.42.
How many hours can I be asked to work?
The normal week is up to 52 hours over six days, or up to 60 hours for night work. Normal hours and overtime together can't pass 116 hours in any two weeks in a row, or 144 for night work. You also get one whole rest day a week. Your contract may set fewer normal hours, and overtime then starts sooner under your contract's own terms.
Is overtime taxed?
Yes. KRA lists overtime as cash pay, so it's taxed under PAYE. What reaches your account is less than the figure here, by an amount that depends on your pay band. The sum for the month also affects NSSF, SHIF and the levy if your payroll counts overtime in gross pay, so check your payslip.
Who isn't covered by this tool?
- Farm workers. The General Order doesn't apply to the agricultural industry, which has its own Order, and we haven't checked its hours.
- Anyone whose contract pays a better rate. Use your contract's rate instead.
- Jobs where you're paid by the hour. Use your hourly rate directly.
What if my employer doesn't pay overtime?
Write down your dates and hours as you go, and keep rosters, gate records or messages. Ask HR in writing how overtime is paid. Then take your record to a labour officer. Any claim has to start within three years, or within 12 months after a continuing wrong ends, under section 89 of the Employment Act.
Questions people ask
What is the overtime rate in Kenya?
One and a half times the normal hourly rate for time over your normal weekly hours. Twice the normal hourly rate on your rest day or a public holiday.
Why divide by 225?
The General Order says the hourly rate of a person not paid by the hour is at least one 225th of basic monthly wage. It's a floor for overtime only, and it doesn't apply to leave or notice pay.
How many hours is overtime in Kenya?
Anything over your normal week, which can be up to 52 hours over six days. Your contract may set fewer.
Does this tool work for farm workers?
No. Farm workers have their own Order, and we didn't check its hours rules.
Sources
Checked 2 November 2026.