Software Engineer salary in Kenya
Gross annual earnings — 2025 · Africa · Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate
Software Engineer salary in Kenya over time
Software Engineer salary — Africa comparison
How Kenya compares to other Africa countries
| Country | Average salary (2025) | vs Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | KES 2,068,600/yr | — |
| Tanzania | TZS 26,732,200/yr | local currency |
| Nigeria | NGN 19,227,000/yr | local currency |
| Egypt | EGP 848,600/yr | local currency |
| South Africa | ZAR 498,600/yr | local currency |
| Ethiopia | ETB 495,000/yr | local currency |
| Ghana | GHS 243,100/yr | local currency |
| Morocco | MAD 225,400/yr | local currency |
Software Engineer salary worldwide
Frequently asked questions about Software Engineer salaries in Kenya
What is the average Software Engineer salary in Kenya in 2025?
The average software engineer salary in Kenya in 2025 is KES 2,068,600 per year (KES 172,383 per month, or KES 39,781 per week). This figure represents gross annual earnings before income tax and social contributions. Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate.
What is the salary range for a Software Engineer in Kenya?
Software Engineers in Kenya earn between KES 1,344,600 and KES 2,999,400 per year in 2025. The spread reflects differences in experience level, employer size, sector (public vs private), and geographic location within the country.
How much does a Software Engineer earn per month in Kenya?
A software engineer in Kenya earns approximately KES 172,383 per month (gross) in 2025, based on an annual average of KES 2,068,600. Monthly take-home pay will be lower after income tax and social security deductions, which vary by individual circumstances and applicable tax brackets in Kenya.
What is the entry-level Software Engineer salary in Kenya?
Entry-level software engineers in Kenya typically earn between KES 1,344,600 and KES 1,758,300 per year in 2025. Salaries at the junior level are generally 15–35% below the national average, increasing with professional certifications, years of experience, and specialisation.
Is the Software Engineer salary in Kenya increasing?
Yes. Based on available data, Software Engineer salaries in Kenya have grown by approximately 21% between 2022 and 2026, reflecting ongoing demand and wage growth trends.
Is KES 2,068,600 a good salary for a Software Engineer in Kenya?
Whether KES 2,068,600 per year is a good software engineer salary in Kenya depends on cost of living, location, and career stage. This figure represents the 2025 national average — earners above this level are in the upper half of the pay distribution for this occupation. Factors that influence individual compensation include employer type (multinational vs. local), city (capital cities typically pay 10–25% more), qualifications, and years of experience.
How does the Software Engineer salary in Kenya compare to other Africa countries?
Kenya's software engineer salary of KES 2,068,600/yr (among comparable economies) is higher than 5 countries and lower than 2 countries in the Africa region as of 2025. Differences across countries reflect purchasing power, labour market conditions, cost of living, and local demand for this role.