How Much Kenyan Doctors Earn: Salaries, Allowances, and Pay Gaps

Doctors’ salaries in Kenya remain one of the debated issues in the healthcare sector, causing nationwide strikes and negotiations between the union and the government.

Generally, most people know that once you become a doctor, you earn millions, but in reality, that’s not true. Medical practitioners’ pay depends on the rank, work location, experience, and the agreements between the county and national government.

Base Salaries: From Interns to Senior Specialists

The salary structure for Kenyan doctors is categorized according to professional level. Intern doctors, who are still under supervised training after medical school, earn the lowest pay. Their monthly salary ranges from KES 68,000. This figure has been disputed, arguing that it is insufficient because they are subjected to long working hours and their roles are demanding.

Entry-level medical officers earn a monthly salary of KES 206,000 in lower-level facilities, and those in referral hospitals earn KES 413,785. This rate is not uniform across all the counties, with some lower-level facilities paying significantly less.

Senior-level doctors and consultants earn up to KES 1.4 million per month

Doctors Allowances

Allowances include toppings to the basic salary. Some allowances also depend on the work location.

• Commuter allowance: KES 8,000 – KES 20,000.
• Risk allowance: KES 20,000
• Emergency allowance: KES 72,000 – KES 80,000
• House allowance for doctors in Nairobi: KES 28,000 – KES 80,000
• House allowance in Kisumu, Mombasa, Thika, Nyeri, Malindi, & Kitale: KES 22,000 – 70,000
• House allowance for doctors in other regions: KES 16,500 – KES 60,000
• Non-practice allowance: KES 18,000 – KES 40,000.
• Leave allowance: KES 6,000- KES 10,000

Clinical Officers’ Salaries

According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), clinical officer interns with diplomas should earn KES 27,000 to KES 35,000 per month, while those with a degree should earn KES 35,000 to KES 50,000 per month.

With experience, supervisory roles, or specialised training, senior clinical officers can earn between KES 150,000 and KES 200,000 per month in public facilities. Clinical officers are also eligible for allowances, including risk, commuter, and housing allowances.

Nurses’ Salaries

According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), nursing interns with degrees should earn KES 35,000 to KES 50,000 per month.

Entry-level nurses earn a salary between KES 35,000 to KES 60,000 per month. This depends on their qualification, experience, and the hospital they are working in. Senior nurses earn up to KES 150,000 per month in public hospitals.