What are the Leave Entitlements in Kenya?

Kenyan labor laws provide several types of leave entitlements to employees to ensure their well-being and support during personal or medical events. Below is an overview of the key leave types available to employees in Kenya:

1. Annual Leave

Entitlement: Employees are entitled to at least 21 working days of paid annual leave after completing 12 months of continuous service.
Details: The annual leave is fully paid and allows employees time to rest and rejuvenate. Employers may set policies regarding how and when annual leave can be taken, but all employees are entitled to this leave once they meet the required service period.

2. Sick Leave

Entitlement: Employees are entitled to a minimum of:
- 7 days of full pay.
- 7 additional days at half pay per year for sick leave.
Requirements: To qualify for sick leave, the employee must provide a valid medical certificate. This ensures that employees have time to recover from illness without losing their income.

3. Compassionate Leave

Entitlement: Employees may apply for unpaid compassionate leave in case of personal emergencies, such as the loss of a family member or other serious events.
Employer’s Discretion: Compassionate leave is granted at the discretion of the employer. Although it is unpaid, employers may have their own policies regarding the length and approval of compassionate leave.

4. Public Holidays

Entitlement: Employees are entitled to paid time off during Kenyan public holidays.
Details: If a public holiday falls on a workday, employees are not required to work and will still receive their regular pay for that day. If the nature of the business requires employees to work on a public holiday, compensation or alternative arrangements may apply, as per the employer’s policy or the law.