Civil Engineer Salary in Kenya (2025)
Average gross salary KES 120,000 — Net take-home pay after all statutory deductions
Full Deductions Breakdown — Civil Engineer KES 120,000
| Deduction / Item | Monthly (KES) | Annual (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | 120,000 | 1,440,000 |
| NSSF (Tier I & II, capped) | 4,320 | 51,840 |
| SHIF (2.75%) | 3,300 | 39,600 |
| Housing Levy (1.5%) | 1,800 | 21,600 |
| PAYE (Income Tax) | 25,557 | 306,684 |
| Personal Relief (deducted from PAYE) | 2,400 | 28,800 |
| Net Pay (Take-Home) | 85,023 | 1,020,276 |
Civil Engineer Salary Ranges in Kenya (2025)
Salaries vary by experience level, employer type, and location. Below are the typical ranges for 2025:
| Level | Gross Salary (KES/month) | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 60,000 – 90,000 | Graduate Engineer, Site Engineer |
| Mid-Level | 90,000 – 160,000 | Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer |
| Senior Level | 160,000 – 350,000 | Senior Engineer, Project Manager, Director |
Civil Engineer Job Market in Kenya
- Demand: High. Kenya's infrastructure investment — roads, housing, water, energy — drives strong and consistent demand for civil engineers.
- Top Employers: Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), county governments, construction firms (CRBC, Zhongmei), consulting firms (Beca, Hyder, Tetra Tech), World Bank / AfDB funded projects.
- Top Cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, infrastructure project sites.
- Key skills: Structural design, AutoCAD/Civil 3D, project management, highway/bridge design, geotechnical engineering, EIA, Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) registration.
- Effective deduction rate: At KES 120,000 gross, you lose 29.1% of your salary to statutory deductions.
- Annual net pay: KES 1,020,276 per year.
Civil Engineer Salary Kenya — FAQs
What is the average civil engineer salary in Kenya in 2025?
The average gross salary for a civil engineer in Kenya is approximately KES 90,000–160,000 per month in 2025. A mid-level engineer earning KES 120,000 gross takes home KES 85,023 per month after statutory deductions.
How much PAYE does a civil engineer pay in Kenya?
On a KES 120,000 gross salary, a civil engineer pays KES 25,557 in PAYE per month. Taxable income is KES 110,580 after NSSF (KES 4,320), SHIF (KES 3,300), and Housing Levy (KES 1,800) deductions.
What professional body do civil engineers in Kenya register with?
Civil engineers in Kenya must register with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and are encouraged to become members of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
How do civil engineer salaries compare between government and private sector in Kenya?
Government civil engineers (KeNHA, KURA, Water Services Boards) typically earn KES 60,000–120,000 monthly. Private sector consultancies and contractors may pay KES 100,000–250,000+ for experienced engineers, with project allowances adding significantly.
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