Updated 2026-11-10
Hotels, safari lodges, restaurants, conference centres and tour companies employ hundreds of thousands of Kenyans, with hiring peaking before the high tourist seasons. Hospitality is also one of the best routes to work abroad. This guide covers the roles, what the law says about pay, the certificates you need, and where to apply.
The Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026 (Legal Notice 108, effective 1 May 2026) sets minimum basic monthly wages, excluding house allowance. Rows relevant to hospitality:
| Category | Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret | All other areas |
|---|---|---|
| Receptionist, telephone operator, storekeeper | KSh 27,796.51 | KSh 21,668.18 |
| General labourer (includes cleaners) | KSh 18,047.40 | KSh 9,628.07 |
| Night watchman | KSh 20,133.72 | KSh 11,483.43 |
These are floors, not typical pay. Many hotels also pay a service charge share and provide meals or housing; get these terms in your contract. Casual and seasonal staff are still entitled to the minimum daily rate for their category.
The legal minimum basic wage for a receptionist is KSh 27,796.51 a month in the five cities and KSh 21,668.18 elsewhere, and KSh 18,047.40 for a general labourer in the cities (2026 wage order). Many hotels add service charge, meals or housing.
Yes, if you handle food or drinks. It is a medical certificate issued by the county public health office and must be kept current.
Hotel group and lodge careers pages and job boards, especially before the tourist seasons. The board lists verified open hospitality posts, including Gulf hotel jobs, with links to the official adverts.