HR Jobs in Kenya: Salaries, IHRM Licence and Where to Apply
Updated 2026-11-10
Human resource jobs in Kenya cover recruitment, payroll, employee relations, training and HR systems, in every sector from county government to banks and NGOs. Kenya regulates the HR profession by law, which shapes who can be hired. This guide covers the roles, what public HR posts pay, and the licence and qualifications employers check.
What HR jobs pay in public service
Post
Employer and grade
Basic salary per month
Human Resource Officer II
IPOA, grade IPOA 9 (October 2026)
KSh 90,000 - 130,000 (consolidated)
Senior HR Information Officer (Payroll)
Laikipia County, CPSB 7 (November 2026)
KSh 52,330 - 68,940
County HR posts follow the CPSB scale (every grade); state agencies set their own grades.
The licence and qualifications employers check
IHRM membership and practising certificate: the Human Resource Management Professionals Act requires HR practitioners to be registered with the Institute of Human Resource Management and to hold a practising certificate. Public HR adverts ask for both.
CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional) is the professional qualification most Kenyan adverts list.
A degree or diploma in HR management or a related field; senior posts add a master’s degree.
Payroll and HRIS systems: IPPD and HRMIS for government roles; payroll software and Excel for private roles. Knowledge of Kenya’s statutory deductions is expected (PAYE, NSSF, SHIF and the Housing Levy explained).
Where HR jobs are advertised and how to start
Counties, ministries and state corporations advertise HR officer, HR assistant and payroll posts with their other vacancies.
Banks, telcos, manufacturers, NGOs and HR outsourcing firms advertise on their sites and job boards.
HR assistant, recruitment coordinator and payroll clerk posts are the usual entry point; internships help (internships in Kenya).
IPOA’s October 2026 advert for Human Resource Officer II offers a consolidated KSh 90,000 to 130,000 a month; Laikipia County’s Senior HR Information Officer (Payroll) at CPSB 7 earns a basic KSh 52,330 to 68,940. Private pay varies by employer.
Do I need an IHRM practising certificate?
The Human Resource Management Professionals Act requires HR practitioners to be registered with IHRM and hold a practising certificate, and public HR adverts ask for it.
What qualification do I need for HR jobs in Kenya?
A degree or diploma in HR management, plus CHRP for professional posts, IHRM membership and a practising certificate.