Starting Feb. 1, 2026, Kenyan workers face higher NSSF, housing, and health deductions, cutting take-home pay significantly.

Starting February 1, 2026, Kenyan salaried workers will see reduced take-home pay due to a major NSSF contribution increase, with the maximum employee share rising to Sh6,480 and employer matching required, totaling Sh12,960 monthly—12% of gross pay up to Sh108,000. A two-tier system applies, increasing deductions for middle- and higher-income earners, while combined with a 1.5% Housing Levy and a shift to the SHIF raising health contributions to 2.75%, the changes strain disposable income, especially in the public sector where some take home less than one-third of their salary. Civil servants will get salary adjustments starting July 2025, but private sector workers have no guaranteed relief, and employers face higher payroll costs amid economic challenges.