Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Kenya

If you’ve ever wondered which careers in Kenya bring home the biggest paychecks, you’re in the right place. As of 2025, the Kenyan job market is becoming more competitive, but certain professions continue to stand out for their high salaries and career prestige.

In this article, we break down the top 10 highest paying jobs in Kenya today, based on earnings, demand, and industry trends.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Kenya (2025)

1. Member of Parliament (MP) – KSh 621,250 to KSh 710,000/month

2. Surgeon – KSh 422,000/month

3. Orthodontist – KSh 365,000/month

4. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – KSh 358,000/month

5. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – KSh 5 million+ annually (approx. KSh 416,000/month)

6. Judge – KSh 239,000 to KSh 702,000/month

7. Lawyer – KSh 193,000 to KSh 568,000/month

8. Marketing Director – KSh 3.7 million+ annually (approx. KSh 308,000/month)

9. Pilot – KSh 114,000 to KSh 334,000/month

10. University Professor/Lecturer – KSh 136,000 to KSh 401,000/month

1. Member of Parliament (MP)

Average Salary: KSh 621,250 – KSh 710,000 per month

Members of Parliament in Kenya are among the best-paid public servants. With salaries, allowances, and benefits, MPs earn millions annually. Their role includes making laws, representing constituents, and overseeing government expenditure.

Why it pays well: High national responsibility, legislative authority, and state-backed benefits.

2. Surgeon

Average Salary: KSh 422,000 per month

Surgeons are highly specialized doctors who perform complex operations. It takes over 10 years of medical training to become a certified surgeon in Kenya, but the financial rewards are worth it.

Why it pays well: Intensive training, high skill level, and life-saving responsibilities.

3. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Average Salary: KSh 5 million+ annually

CFOs manage a company’s finances, budgets, and strategic investment plans. In large firms, especially in banking and telecoms, CFOs command top-tier compensation.

Why it pays well: Strategic influence over a company’s financial direction.

4. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Average Salary: KSh 358,000 per month

CEOs are at the top of the corporate ladder, overseeing operations, strategy, and performance. Their salaries vary widely depending on the size of the organization but are consistently among the highest.

Why it pays well: Overall accountability and executive leadership.

5. Orthodontist

Average Salary: KSh 365,000 per month

Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and correcting jaw issues. It’s a niche field within dentistry but offers strong returns due to specialized services and private practice potential.

Why it pays well: High demand in private healthcare and cosmetic dentistry.

6. Lawyer

Average Salary: KSh 193,000 – KSh 568,000 per month

Lawyers in Kenya who work in top law firms or multinational companies can earn massive paychecks. Corporate, constitutional, and litigation lawyers are particularly well-paid.

Why it pays well: High-level expertise, negotiation, and advisory roles.

7. Marketing Director

Average Salary: KSh 3.7 million+ annually

Marketing Directors drive a company’s brand strategy and revenue generation. They are crucial in competitive industries like FMCG, tech, and banking.

Why it pays well: Direct influence on company growth and profits.

8. Pilot

Average Salary: KSh 114,000 – KSh 334,000 per month

Commercial pilots working for major airlines like Kenya Airways are some of the highest-paid professionals in Kenya. The training is intensive but the payoff is significant.

Why it pays well: Technical skill, responsibility for passenger safety, and international certifications.

9. Judge

Average Salary: KSh 239,000 – KSh 702,000 per month

Judges hold one of the most prestigious and critical roles in Kenya’s legal system. Their job involves interpreting the law, delivering judgments, and ensuring justice.

Why it pays well: Constitutional importance, years of experience, and legal acumen.

10. University Professor or Lecturer

Average Salary: KSh 136,000 – KSh 401,000 per month

In Kenya, professors and senior lecturers in public and private universities are well-compensated, especially in professional faculties like law, medicine, and engineering.

Why it pays well: Advanced degrees and contributions to education and research.

Conclusion

If you're aiming for one of the highest paying jobs in Kenya, you'll need a mix of education, experience, and determination. Most of these careers demand years of study and practical expertise, but the financial rewards make the effort worthwhile.

FAQ: Highest Paying Jobs in Kenya

What is the highest paying job in Kenya?

The highest paying job in Kenya in 2025 is Member of Parliament (MP), earning up to KSh 710,000 per month. Other top earners include surgeons, CEOs, and CFOs.

Which tech jobs pay the most in Kenya?

The highest paying tech jobs in Kenya include:

• AI Engineer – ~KSh 2.5M/year
• Data Scientist – ~KSh 1.8M/year

Cybersecurity Specialist and Software Developer roles also pay competitively.

Do I need a degree to get a high-paying job in Kenya?

Yes, most high-paying jobs in Kenya require a university degree. Professions like medicine, law, and finance require advanced education and certification. However, skilled trades and entrepreneurship can also lead to high earnings without a degree.

What is the best career to study in Kenya?

The best careers to study in Kenya for high pay include:

• Medicine
• Engineering
• Law
• Finance and Accounting
• Computer Science & IT

How can I get a high-paying job in Kenya?

To get a high-paying job in Kenya:

• Choose a career with strong demand
• Get the right qualifications
• Gain experience through internships
• Build a strong professional network
• Stay updated with industry trends