Your right to a certificate of service when you leave a job
Employment Act, 2007 · sources read 4 Oct 2026
If you worked for an employer for 4 weeks or more in a row, the law says they must give you a certificate of service when the job ends. It shows the employer, your name, your start and end dates and the kind and place of your work. Your employer does not have to give a reference on your character or performance.
- Where
- From your employer; complaints to your area labour office
Steps
- Ask your employer for the certificate when the job ends.
- If they refuse, report to the area labour officer, who records the complaint on Form LD 64.
- You can also file a claim at the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Watch out
- A certificate of service is not a reference. The employer does not have to comment on your character or performance.
- Failing to issue the certificate, or putting something false in it on purpose, is an offence: a fine of up to KSh 100,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both.
- In an unfair termination case, the labour officer or court looks at whether the employer issued the certificate.
Who this covers
- Any employee whose job lasted 4 consecutive weeks or more, however the job ended.
Official sources (2)
- Employment Act (Cap. 226), consolidated new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Handling of Labour Disputes labour.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026