How is Overtime Pay Calculated in Kenya


In Kenya, overtime pay is governed by the Employment Act and applies when an employee works beyond their standard contractual hours.


Typically, standard working hours are capped at 52 hours per week for non-shift workers and up to 60 hours for shift workers. Any additional hours worked beyond this threshold are classified as overtime. 


Overtime may occur on weekdays, weekends, or public holidays, each attracting a different pay rate. For regular weekday overtime, the compensation rate is one and a half times (1.5×) the employee’s hourly wage, while work done on weekends and public holidays must be paid at double (2×) the hourly rate. 


To determine the hourly rate, the employer should divide the employee’s gross monthly salary by the total number of working days in the month and then divide by the standard number of daily working hours. It is crucial to maintain accurate timesheets or attendance records to track the overtime hours worked. 


All overtime must be pre-approved or signed off by a supervisor to ensure compliance and prevent disputes. By applying these calculations consistently, employers ensure fair compensation while remaining compliant with Kenyan labor laws.

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