Starting a job in Kenya: the Government checklist

What employers usually ask for, and the registrations that come with a payslip.

Your checklist. Tick things off as you go; it's saved on this phone only.

1. 1. Employers need it to pay you. Register for a KRA PIN Apply for your KRA PIN online on iTax. You need your national ID details, plus your employer's PIN if you're employed.
2. 2. Many employers ask for one. Get a Police Clearance Certificate (certificate of good conduct) Apply and pay KSh 1,050 on dci.ecitizen.go.ke, print your C24 form and invoices, then go for fingerprints at a Huduma Centre or DCI Headquarters with your original ID. Download the certificate from eCitizen when you get the SMS.
3. 3. Your pension contributions. Register with NSSF and check your NSSF statement Take your ID (and an employer letter if you're employed) to any NSSF office and they'll register you and give you an NSSF card. You can ask NSSF for a free statement of your contributions any time.
4. 4. Your health cover. Register for SHA (Social Health Authority / SHIF) Everyone living in Kenya must register with SHA. Dial *147# or register on sha.go.ke with your ID, then finish your profile on afyayangu.go.ke. Contributions are 2.75% of your income, at least KSh 300 a month.
5. 5. For public service jobs. Get EACC clearance (self-declaration form) for a public job Download the self-declaration form from eacc.go.ke, fill in two copies, sign in front of a Commissioner for Oaths or Magistrate, attach copies of your ID, KRA PIN and academic certificates, then hand it in at an EACC office or Huduma Centre. No certificate is issued; EACC reports directly to the employer.
6. 6. Some employers ask for it. Get your CRB credit report and clearance certificate Ask any of the three CBK-licensed credit bureaus (TransUnion, Creditinfo or Metropol) for your credit report. You get one free report from each bureau every year, and your first CRB clearance certificate is free.
7. 7. If you had a HELB loan. Repay your HELB loan and get a clearance certificate Start repaying one year after you finish studies. Pay through your employer's monthly check-off, or on your own with USSD *642#, the HELB Mobile App or the self-serve portal on hef.co.ke (payments go through eCitizen). Ask for your clearance certificate once the loan is fully paid. The clearance certificate is free.
8. 8. Every year, even if your employer deducts tax. File your KRA returns (including nil returns) Everyone with a KRA PIN must file a return every year, even with no income. File on iTax from 1 January. Returns for 2026 are due by 30 April 2027: the law moved the deadline from 30 June, but KRA's page still says 30 June.