Overtime Calculation Kenya 2026 (Employment Act & Wage Order)
Calculate overtime pay in Kenya under the Employment Act and Regulation of Wages Order. Computes normal workday overtime (1.5x), weekend and public holiday overtime (2.0x) using the statutory 225-hour monthly divisor in KES.
Overtime Calculator Kenya
Methodology
Under the Kenya Employment Act and the Regulation of Wages (General) Order, normal working hours are capped at 52 hours per week (or 45 hours in standard commercial contracts), establishing a statutory monthly divisor of 225 hours (or 195 hours for 45-hr contracts) to calculate an employee's basic hourly rate. Overtime worked on normal working days is compensated at not less than one and a half times (1.5x) the basic hourly rate. Overtime worked on weekly rest days (Sundays or gazetted rest days) and gazetted Kenyan public holidays is compensated at twice (2.0x) the basic hourly rate. Overtime earnings are added to gross wages and subject to standard statutory deductions (PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy).
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User-provided inputs
This calculator uses only the values you enter. It does not automatically apply tax law, statutory deductions, lender fees, or live exchange rates.
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Formula basis
The formula is shown openly and no country rate is inserted automatically.
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Your estimate
AfricalHub is an independent private platform not affiliated with any government agency. Calculations are for educational planning only. Verify official filings with the relevant revenue authority or a qualified professional.
Kenyan Statutory Overtime Multipliers & Rates (Regulation of Wages Order)
| Overtime Category | Statutory Multiplier | Applicable Days | Hourly Wage Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Overtime | 1.5× basic rate | Monday – Saturday (beyond standard shift) | (Basic Salary ÷ 225) × 1.5 |
| Weekly Rest Day Overtime | 2.0× basic rate | Designated day of rest (e.g. Sunday) | (Basic Salary ÷ 225) × 2.0 |
| Public Holiday Overtime | 2.0× basic rate | Gazetted National & Religious Holidays | (Basic Salary ÷ 225) × 2.0 |
Kenya Overtime Law & Payroll Best Practice
• Payslip Integration: Overtime is itemized under gross taxable earnings on your monthly payslip.
👉 Check your complete monthly net pay with our Payslip Calculator Kenya or Salary Calculator Kenya.
Sources
User-provided inputs
This calculator uses only the values you enter. It does not automatically apply tax law, statutory deductions, lender fees, or live exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime calculated in Kenya under the Employment Act?
Under the Regulation of Wages (General) Order, your basic hourly rate is calculated as: Basic Monthly Salary ÷ 225 hours (or contractual monthly hours). Normal overtime is paid at 1.5× the hourly rate, while work on weekly rest days and public holidays is paid at 2.0× the hourly rate.
What is the standard monthly divisor for overtime calculation Kenya?
The Regulation of Wages Order specifies 225 hours per month as the statutory standard divisor (based on a 52-hour workweek across 4.33 weeks). However, for offices and businesses operating on a 45-hour workweek, 195 hours per month is commonly applied.
What is the overtime rate for working on Kenyan public holidays?
Work performed on gazetted Kenyan public holidays or designated weekly rest days must be remunerated at a minimum of 2.0 times (double) the employee's basic hourly wage.
Is overtime pay subject to KRA PAYE tax and statutory deductions?
Yes. Overtime pay is treated as taxable employment income. It is included in gross earnings and subject to KRA PAYE income tax, Affordable Housing Levy (1.5%), and SHIF (2.75%).
Who is eligible for statutory overtime in Kenya?
Statutory overtime applies to non-managerial, unionized, and hourly/salaried employees covered under the Regulation of Wages Orders and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). Managerial staff are typically exempt unless specified in their employment contract.