The Highest Paying Jobs in Kenya

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) recently unveiled the Economic Survey 2024, providing an insightful overview of how various sectors of the country’s economy fared over the past year. 

According to the survey, the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) experienced a significant expansion of 5.6 percent in 2023, compared to a revised growth of 4.9 percent in 2022.

This surge in economic performance has fueled job creation and salary increments across various sectors. According to the Survey, the economy generated 848,200 new jobs, and the annual average earnings increased by 3.4%. 

With this economic upswing, you might be wondering which professionals received the highest salary increments and what are the best-paying jobs in Kenya. Understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions about your career path, whether you're a student seeking direction for your future or a professional contemplating a career change.

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The State of Wage Employment 

According to the KNBS Survey, during the five years from June 2018 to June 2023, total wage employment rose by 9.1 percent. Notably, the public sector recorded a higher growth in wage employment of 18.0 percent compared to an increase of 5.5 percent in the private sector. 

The Survey also found that the overall annual average earnings increased by 3.4 percent to Ksh894,232.8 in 2023, compared to Ksh864,750.1 in 2022. 

However, in 2023, annual average earnings in the public sector decreased by 0.5 percent to Ksh838.7 thousand. The overall increase in annual average earnings was primarily driven by the private sector, which saw annual average earnings increase by 5.2 percent to Ksh920,000. 

When we zoom out, the Survey found that the annual average earnings in the public and private sectors rose by 22.6 percent over the last five years. However, employees in the private sector saw a bigger bump in their earnings. Public sector average earnings rose by 12.1 percent compared to a 27.5 percent increase in the private sector since June 2018.

The 5 Highest Paying Jobs in The Public Sector

In 2023, the public sector's top five industries with the highest annual average wage earnings per employee were:

1. Accommodation and Food Service Activities 

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh234,697.08 monthly. 

This industry includes high-paying roles such as hotel management, executive chefs, and event planners. These positions require specialized skills and experience, contributing to the high-wage earnings.

2. Transportation and Storage 

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh202,679.56 monthly.

Jobs in this industry range from logistics managers to airline pilots. The complexity and responsibility associated with ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods and people are reflected in the higher wages.

3. Financial and Insurance Activities 

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh176,274.53 monthly.

This industry is known for roles like investment analysts, actuaries, and financial managers. The need for expertise in managing financial risks and investments drives the premium salaries in this sector.

4. Human Health and Social Work Activities 

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh153,758.40 monthly.

Medical professionals such as doctors, surgeons, and healthcare administrators dominate this sector. Their specialized training and critical role in maintaining public health earn them high wages.

5. Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles 

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh95,504.37 monthly.

Retail managers, procurement specialists, and vehicle repair technicians are among the highest-paid in this industry. The demand for skilled labor and the importance of maintaining consumer goods flow contribute to higher wages.

Read Also: What Do You Do When Your Dream Job Can't Pay the Bills?

The 5 Highest Paying Jobs in The Private Sector

In 2023, the top five industries with the highest annual average wage earnings per employee in Kenya's private sector are:

1. Activities of Extraterritorial Organizations and Bodies 

Employees in this sector earned an average of Ksh339,273.69 monthly, representing the highest-paid individuals in both the private and public sectors. 

Top-paying careers in this sector include ambassadors and diplomats representing their countries in Kenya, international NGO executives, and policy analysts working for global organizations. 

2. Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply 

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh193,833.93 monthly. 

This industry encompasses top-paying careers like Power Plant Operators and Energy Consultants.  The push towards sustainable energy solutions and the expansion of energy infrastructure have contributed to wage growth in this sector. 

3. Financial and Insurance Activities 

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh190,150.06 monthly. 

The highest-paying careers in this sector include Investment Bankers, Actuaries, and Financial Managers. Their jobs involve overseeing large financial transactions and assessing financial risks using mathematics and statistics.

4. Transportation and Storage

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh140,993.00 monthly. 

Like in the public sector, top-paying careers in this industry include logistic managers coordinating the movement of goods and materials and pilots and captains operating aircraft and ships. The growing logistics and supply chain needs, particularly in a post-pandemic world, have necessitated higher wages for skilled professionals in this industry.

5. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities

Employees in this sector made an average of Ksh139,718.26 monthly. 

The highest-paid professionals in this sector include researchers conducting scientific studies and developing new technologies, as well as engineers and consultants providing expert advice in various technical fields.

Read Also: Top Reasons Kenyans Are Quitting Jobs in 2024

KNBS Survey Shows Inflation is Hurting Workers

While the latest KNBS Economy Survey 2024 showcases rising salaries across various industries, a deeper dive reveals a troubling narrative. Inflation, which remained stubbornly high at 7.9% in June 2023, has been eroding the purchasing power of Kenyan workers. 

To truly understand the impact, the KNBS Survey considers the real value of earnings when adjusted for inflation. While nominal wage increases may appear substantial, the real earnings tell a different story. For instance, an annual salary increase that appears generous on paper is significantly eroded by the 7.9% inflation rate, leaving workers with less disposable income. 

According to KNBS Data, real annual average earnings per employee decreased by 4.1% to  Ksh667.3 thousand in 2023. This decline is a stark reminder that the nominal increases in salaries are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living. The disparity between wage growth and inflation means that workers effectively earn less in real terms. 

In the private sector, real annual average earnings per employee fell by 2.5% to KSh 686.4 thousand in 2023. The situation is even more dire in the public sector, where the survey shows that real annual average earnings per employee plummeted by 7.8% to KSh 625.9 thousand over the same period.