Employment Act 2007: what it covers and where to read the current version
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection / Kenya Law · sources read 4 Oct 2026
You can read the current Employment Act free on Kenya Law (new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2007/11). It sets the basic rights and conditions for anyone employed under a contract of service, such as leave, wages, termination and child protection.
- Where
- Read it free online on Kenya Law; take complaints to your area Labour Officer
Steps
- Open the Employment Act on Kenya Law (new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2007/11). The page marks the latest version, and you can read or download it free.
- Check the part you need: the Act covers your basic rights, conditions of employment, wages, termination and dismissal, children's employment and employer insolvency.
- Key rights include at least 21 working days of leave on full pay after every 12 months you work for the same employer.
- Women employees are entitled to 3 months of maternity leave on full pay.
- If your employer breaks the Act, report it to your area Labour Officer, who records the complaint and calls both sides to a conciliation meeting.
Watch out
- The Act has been changed many times, most recently in April 2024. Make sure any copy or PDF you rely on is the latest Kenya Law version, not the original 2007 text.
- Employing a child in the worst forms of child labour is banned, whatever any other law says.
Who this covers
- Applies to all employees working for an employer under a contract of service.
- It does not cover the Kenya Defence Forces, Police, Prisons, Coast Guard, NIS, NYS, or a family business where only the owner's dependants work.
Official sources (2)
- Employment Act (Cap. 226) new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Handling of Labour Disputes labour.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026