Hiring Labour
Payroll, wages and other resources for recruiting, training and managing employees.
1. Hiring Expatriate Employees
Expatriates are allowed to work in Kenya provided they have an entry permit (work permit) issued under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011.
An applicant for an entry permit needs to describe the work he or she intends to engage in and will be allowed to engage only in that specific activity.
Entry permits are usually granted to foreign enterprises approved to operate in Kenya as long as the applicants are key personnel.
Any enterprise, whether local or foreign, may recruit expatriates for any category of skilled labour if Kenyans are not available.
2. Hiring Local Employees
The labour laws of Kenya are embodied in several legislation. The provisions of these legislation include those regarding:-
- Wages
- Non-discrimination, harassment
- Leave
- Housing
- Health and Welfare
- Local and Foreign contracts of service
- The employment of women and youth
- Termination of contract and other administrative matters.
3. Mobility and Regional Labour Issues in Kenya
Kenya has unrestricted labour movement within its borders. Citizens can seek employment anywhere in the country without legal constraints. Labour distribution is primarily influenced by job availability across regions.
A key trend is rural-urban migration, driven by the scarcity of quality jobs in rural areas. Many relocate to urban centers seeking better job prospects and living conditions.
4. Employment and Labour Laws in Kenya
Kenya has implemented several key pieces of labour legislation to govern employment practices and protect workers' rights.
- Employment Act 2007
- Children’s Act No. 8 of 2001
- Industrial Training Act
- Labour Relations Act 2007
- Work Injury Benefit Act
- Minimum Wage Regulations
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