The Employment Act 2007 sets the floor for leave entitlements in Kenya. Many employers assume their existing policies are compliant — but the details matter, and the gaps can be costly.
Annual Leave
Every employee is entitled to at least 21 days of paid annual leave after 12 months of continuous service. Leave cannot be waived in exchange for payment — employees must actually take it.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to 30 days of sick leave with full pay and 15 days with half pay per year, provided they produce a certificate from a recognised medical practitioner.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to 3 months of fully paid maternity leave. Male employees are entitled to 2 weeks of fully paid paternity leave. These run concurrently with annual leave.