Updated July 21st 2026
All About Employee Leave & PTO in Kenya
Learn what you need to know about leave requirements in Kenya and how Justworks EOR can streamline hiring.
How an EOR Can Help with Employee Leave & PTO
Understanding Kenya’s leave and PTO policies is essential to remain compliant and attractive to top talent.
Justworks helps your business meet local employment standards by managing leave policies as part of our EOR service. From annual leave to sick and parental leave, we handle things so you can focus on your team.
Employee Leave & PTO Expectations in Kenya
Kenya’s labor laws include statutory leave entitlements designed to protect employees and promote fair working conditions. However, employees can offer more than the minimum.
Vacation Leave
Employees in Kenya are entitled to a minimum of 21 working days of paid annual leave per year after 12 consecutive months of service. Employers must approve leave before an employee takes time off.
Sick Leave
Employees are eligible for 30 days of full pay and an additional 15 days at half pay within any 12-month period, provided they present a medical certificate. Sick leave is prorated based on tenure.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to three months (90 calendar days) of fully paid maternity leave taken consecutively. During maternity leave, the employee is protected from dismissal.
Paternity Leave
Male employees are entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave. This must be taken within the period following childbirth.
Additional Leave Types
Employees may also be entitled to compassionate leave, study leave, or bereavement leave, depending on the employer’s internal policies or collective agreements.
Public Holidays in Kenya
Kenya observes approximately 12 public holidays per year. Employees who have to work these days are typically entitled to compensatory time off or overtime pay, depending on their contract. Common holidays include:
New Year’s Day — January 1
Good Friday & Easter Monday — March/April
Labor Day — May 1
Madaraka Day — June 1
Mashujaa Day — October 20
Jamhuri Day — December 12
Christmas Day — December 25
Boxing Day — December 26
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha — dates vary by lunar calendar
Ready to Hire Confidently in Kenya?
Build your global team seamlessly with local experts who can help you understand the local labor market while saving you the time and hassle of hiring in Kenya.
