Probation at work: how long it can last and how it ends
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Probation at work can last up to 6 months. Your employer can extend it once, by up to 6 more months, only if you agree. During probation either side can end the job with 7 days' notice, or the employer can pay you 7 days' wages instead.
- Where
- Talk to your employer first. For a dispute, go to the Labour Officer for your area.
What you need
- Your written employment contract stating the probation period
Steps
- Check your contract: probation only counts if the contract is in writing and says it is a probation period.
- Count the months: probation is at most 6 months. An extension of up to 6 more months needs your agreement.
- To end the job during probation, give or expect at least 7 days' notice, or 7 days' wages paid instead of notice.
- If your employer breaks these rules, report it to the Labour Officer for your area. It is recorded on Form LD 64.
Watch out
- An employer cannot keep you on probation longer than 12 months in total, even with a new probation contract.
- An extension past 6 months is not automatic: it needs your agreement.
Who this covers
- Applies to a written job contract that clearly says it is for a probation period.
Official sources (2)
- The Employment Act, 2007 labour.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Handling Labour Disputes labour.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026