Quick Answer
Your employer must give you a written contract and pay you at least the minimum wage, on time, with an itemised payslip. Several statutory deductions — PAYE, NSSF, SHIF and the housing levy — are taken from your pay by law.
Key facts
- You are entitled to a written employment contract.
- Pay must be at least the minimum wage for your sector.
- You must get an itemised payslip.
- Statutory deductions include PAYE, NSSF, SHIF and the housing levy.
Your right to a contract
An employer must provide a written contract (generally within the first couple of months) setting out your job, pay, hours, leave, notice period and termination terms. Even without a written contract, if you are working, an employment relationship and its statutory rights still exist.
Pay and the minimum wage
You must be paid at least the government minimum wage for your sector and location, on time, and given an itemised payslip showing gross pay, deductions and net pay.
Minimum wage rates are set by the government and reviewed periodically — confirm the current rate for the sector before relying on a figure.
Statutory deductions
By law, certain deductions come off your pay:
- PAYE — income tax, remitted to KRA;
- NSSF — your pension contribution (matched by the employer);
- SHIF — health contribution to the Social Health Authority (2.75% of gross);
- Affordable Housing Levy — 1.5% of gross (matched by the employer);
- HELB — student-loan repayment, if applicable.
Contribution rates change — confirm the current NSSF, SHIF and levy figures before relying on them.
Why this matters to you
Your payslip is where your rights become real money. Knowing what must be on a contract, that you’re owed at least the minimum wage, and what each deduction is helps you spot when you’re being short-changed.
Frequently asked questions
Must I have a written contract?
Yes — your employer must provide one, though your rights apply even without it.
What deductions are legal?
PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, the housing levy, and HELB if applicable — among limited others.
Am I owed a payslip?
Yes — an itemised payslip showing gross pay, deductions and net pay.
Sources & references
- Employment Act, 2007 — kenyalaw.org
- Social Health Insurance Act, 2023; Affordable Housing Act, 2024 — kenyalaw.org