The Kenyan job market is undergoing major changes amid the automation and digitization of various sectors of the economy that have resulted in redundancies in various sectors.
In Kenya, a significant portion of the population is either unemployed or underemployed.
As the world economy faces the possibility of a recession and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine impacts global markets, it’s crucial to consider the most lucrative career paths available in Kenya.
By focusing on these high-paying jobs, individuals can improve their financial prospects and achieve their goals more quickly.
High-Paying Jobs in Kenya
1. Doctors and Medical professionals
Healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, have an essential role in society as they invest years of study to comprehend the human body and provide life-saving interventions.
These professionals must undergo rigorous training and regularly update their knowledge with the latest medical trends to excel in their field.
In Kenya, becoming a medical doctor requires earning a bachelor’s degree in medicine, typically taking six years of academic study.
Subsequently, one must complete a one-year residency (medical internship) to qualify as a junior doctor. Specializing in a particular field may take up to a decade.
As per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between doctors and county governors, junior doctors working for county hospitals receive a monthly salary of Sh. 189,910 while in their medical internship.
Senior doctors, on the other hand, can earn up to Sh. 460,660 per month.
Consultant specialist doctors who run their private practices can earn up to Ksh40,000 per hour, depending on the complexity of the cases they handle.
2. Tech developers
The growing trend of digitization and technological advancements has created a high demand for developers with specialized skills.
These professionals are well-compensated for their rare talents, as they play a critical role in developing and implementing Artificial Intelligence and other innovative technologies.
Developers come from various backgrounds and are responsible for instructing machines, such as computers, phones, and robots, to perform specific functions.
They are also responsible for creating software applications such as computer games, mobile apps, web browsers, and other computer-based systems.
Most individuals pursue a computer science or computer engineering degree to become a developer, accompanied by additional certifications in popular programming languages such as Java and Python.
The high demand for their skills has resulted in developers receiving competitive salaries and benefits in the job market.
3. Lawyers
The legal profession has a long and rich history and is known to be one of the oldest professions in the world.
The famous playwright William Shakespeare even joked about the profession in his play Henry VI, suggesting that a tyrant ruler would want to get rid of all the lawyers first.
Lawyers play a critical role in upholding justice and the rule of law in society and are compensated accordingly.
However, the legal profession is fiercely competitive, and the value determines the salaries a lawyer can bring to their clients or law firm.
For instance, a previous study revealed that junior lawyers could start with a pay of Sh. 20,000 per month, while others may earn even up to Sh. 100,000 starting salary.
Recently, Donald Kipkorir, a senior lawyer, made headlines in Kenya after a court awarded Ksh1.3 billion in legal fees.
This is the highest legal fee awarded in the country’s litigation history. This ruling sparked a debate on the high fees lawyers charge and the value of legal services in the country.
4. Engineers
Engineering is a multifaceted field that involves inventing, designing, analyzing, building, and testing machines, structures, and complex systems to fulfil functional objectives.
Engineers specialize in various areas, including civil engineering for building structures, road engineering, mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, network engineering, petroleum engineering, and many more.
As the world continues to evolve, there is a growing need for professionals who can design and build complex systems such as roads, buildings, dams, computer networks, data management infrastructure, and military equipment.
Consequently, engineers are in high demand in Kenya and are well-compensated due to the limited supply of such professionals.
As of 2019, there were 13,178 registered graduate engineers in Kenya and 2,046 professionally registered engineers under the Engineers Board of Kenya.
Graduate engineers can expect to earn a starting salary of approximately Ksh50,000 per month, although the figure may vary depending on their area of specialization.
5. Quantity Surveyors
A quantity surveyor is a professional with specialized knowledge in construction requirements, including cost and regulations involved in building, the costs of individual items, and projections on the time needed to complete projects.
With the real estate boom and major infrastructure developments such as road construction, dams, and electricity connections, demand for quantity surveyors has increased significantly.
Although it takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, there are relatively few graduates in Kenya, which contributes to the profession’s high salaries.
According to the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), there are currently only 663 accredited quantity surveyors in Kenya, with a total of 820 professionals accredited throughout the board’s history.
Starting salaries for quantity surveyors average around Sh. 80,000 per month, with numerous allowances offered for the delivery of services.
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6. Financial Analysts
Financial analysts are critical in helping businesses make sound financial decisions by analyzing and interpreting financial data.
This has made them highly sought-after professionals in the Kenyan job market.
A bachelor’s degree in finance, math, or actuarial science is typically required to become a financial analyst.
In addition, post-graduate certifications such as those from the US-based CFA Institute are essential professional qualifications for financial analysts.
Financial analysts are well-compensated, given the importance of their work and the dedication required to perform effectively.
Junior financial analysts can expect to earn an average monthly salary of Sh. 100,000.
7. Architecture
Architects play a critical role in the construction industry, which, as indicated – has witnessed a decade-long boom in Kenya.
Architects develop designs for new construction projects, alterations, and redevelopment.
They are trained to have thorough construction knowledge and high-level drawing skills to design buildings with a great aesthetic appearance and are functional, safe, and environmentally sustainable.
To qualify as an Architect, the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in Architecture which takes six years.
According to the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), there are currently 1,042 accredited architects.
The critical role played by architects, coupled with the short supply of these skills, makes it one of the most lucrative jobs in Kenya and globally. A starting salary for an Architect averages Sh. 120,000 per month.
8. Auditors
It’s worth noting that while Sh. 50,000 may be the average starting salary for an auditor.
This can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the size of the organization they are working for.
Experienced auditors can earn significantly higher salaries, particularly in the private sector, where they may work for large auditing firms or corporations.
Additionally, some auditors may receive bonuses or other forms of compensation in addition to their base salary.
9. Actuaries
An actuary is an expert who applies mathematical, statistical, and financial theories to evaluate the probability of potential events or situations and determine the financial cost of these risks.
Although the insurance industry is the primary employer for actuaries, other sectors, such as banks, investment firms, and hospitals, also require their services.
Becoming an actuary requires a high degree of specialization, including a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science and certification from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFOA) in the UK.
As of 2017, only 46 individuals in East Africa were certified actuaries, all of whom were Kenyan.
This limited supply of professionals amid high demand results in significant salaries, with many actuaries opting to run consultancy firms instead of being permanent employees in a single organization.
10. Construction managers
Construction management is a profession that involves combining technical knowledge of construction requirements with business and management skills.
It is a relatively new career path that is gaining popularity in the construction industry.
