What are the standard working hours in Kenya?

Under the Regulation of Wages (General) Order, subsidiary to the Regulations of Wages and Conditions of Employment Act in Kenya, the general working hours are 52 per week. However, the normal working hours usually consist of 45 hours per week, with 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday and 5 hours on Saturday. These work hours can vary slightly based on special orders for different sectors.

At Pebl, typical working hours are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, including a one-hour lunch break each day.

Is overtime governed by law in Kenya? If so, what are the specifics outlined by law?

Overtime for employees in Kenya is governed by law with specific provisions.

• The combined total of overtime and straight time worked cannot exceed 116 hours in any period of two consecutive weeks.
• For employees engaged in night work, this limit is 144 hours over the same period.

The payment rates for overtime are as follows:

• One and one-half times the hourly rate on weekdays.
• Twice the basic hourly rate on Sundays and public holidays.

How is overtime payment calculated in Kenya?

Overtime payment in Kenya is calculated as follows:

• On weekdays, overtime is paid at a rate of one and one-half times the hourly rate.
• On Sundays and public holidays, overtime is paid at twice the basic hourly rate.

How many days before the actual start date should the employment agreement be signed for payroll purposes in Kenya?

It is sufficient to have the employment agreement signed 1 week before the actual start date. This timeframe accounts for the gathering of necessary information and allows for the enrollment of the supported employee with vendors.

Can employment agreements be backdated in Kenya?

The ability to backdate employment agreements in Kenya is restricted by the payroll cut-off date for the respective month.