Overtime Pay Calculator Kenya (2026) | Employment Act OT Rates
Patrick Buyela - Kenya Payroll Expert
Expert Verified by Patrick Buyela, Payroll Consultant · Updated March 2026

Overtime Pay Calculator Kenya (2026)

Calculate statutory overtime wages accurately under the Kenya Employment Act (Cap 226). Our tool instantly applies the 1.5x normal rate and 2.0x holiday multipliers to ensure complete compliance with general wages orders.

Compensation Details
KES
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Earnings Breakdown
Base Monthly Salary
KES 0
Calculated Hourly RateDivisor: 225 hours/mo
KES 0 / hr
Normal Overtime Pay (1.5x)0 hrs @ KES 0/hr
+ KES 0
Holiday Overtime Pay (2.0x)0 hrs @ KES 0/hr
+ KES 0
Total Gross Overtime
KES 0

*Overtime is fully taxable income under KRA guidelines.

The Legal Framework of Overtime in Kenya

Overtime compensation in Kenya is strictly governed by the Employment Act (Cap 226) and the Regulation of Wages (General) Order. These laws define standard working hours and mandate specific multipliers to ensure workers are fairly compensated for labor performed beyond normal limits, as detailed in the Kenya Law Reports.

How Overtime Multipliers Work

Our Overtime Pay Calculator Kenya uses the industry-standard "225-hour divisor" to convert your monthly salary into a base hourly rate. This rate is then subjected to two legal multipliers:

Statutory Overtime Compliance Table

Overtime Type Multiplier Legal Applicability
Normal Working Day 1.5x (Time-and-a-half) Hours worked after standard shift on weekdays.
Rest Days/Holidays 2.0x (Double Time) Hours worked on gazetted holidays or Sundays.
Hourly Base Divisor 225 Hours Standard monthly hours used for PAYE computations.

Overtime and Taxation (KRA Compliance)

It is a common misconception that overtime is tax-free. In Kenya, all overtime earnings are treated as part of your Gross Cash Pay. These earnings must be added to your basic salary before calculating NSSF, SHIF, and KRA PAYE. Use our Net Salary Calculator to see how overtime affects your final take-home pay.

Overtime Kenya: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the standard number of working hours in Kenya?
Under the Employment Act, the standard working week is generally 52 hours. However, many collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and sector-specific orders set this at 45 hours (9 hours per day).
2. Why is 225 used as the hourly rate divisor?
225 represents the average monthly working hours (52 hours/week * 52 weeks / 12 months ≈ 225). While some contracts may specify different divisors, 225 is the standard used for statutory wage regulation in Kenya.
3. Is overtime pay mandatory in Kenya?
Yes. If an employee is required to work beyond the hours specified in their contract or the statutory limit, they must be compensated at the legal multipliers of 1.5x or 2.0x.
4. Are public holidays always paid at double time?
Yes. Any work performed on gazetted public holidays or an employee's designated weekly day of rest (usually Sunday) must be compensated at the 2.0x multiplier.
5. Does overtime count towards my NSSF and SHIF?
Yes. Overtime is part of your gross income. Since NSSF and SHIF are calculated based on your total monthly gross salary, overtime earnings will increase those contributions up to their respective limits.
6. Can an employer offer "time off in lieu" instead of overtime pay?
This is only legal if it is explicitly agreed upon in the employment contract or a CBA. In the absence of such an agreement, the default legal requirement is cash compensation at the statutory rates.
7. How do I report an employer who refuses to pay overtime?
Employees can file a claim through the Ministry of Labour or the Employment and Labour Relations Court. It is essential to keep a record of hours worked and signed timesheets for evidence.

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