Kenya’s parastatals (state-owned corporations) are often seen as stable employers, but not all offer competitive salaries. While some, like the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and KenGen, pay well, others struggle with low wages, delayed salaries, and poor working conditions 816.
In this article, we analyze the 10 worst-paying parastatals in Kenya based on salary data from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and employee reports. We’ll also explore why these institutions lag behind in compensation and how it affects workers.
1. Kenya Prisons Service
📌 Average Salary: KES 16,890 – KES 55,110/month
Despite their critical role in national security, prison wardens are among the lowest-paid government workers. Entry-level officers earn as little as KES 16,890, barely above the minimum wage. Promotions are slow, and salary increments depend on government reviews rather than scheduled raises.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Budget constraints in correctional facilities
- Lack of frequent salary reviews by SRC
- High risk with minimal hazard allowances
2. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
📌 Average Salary: KES 20,000 – KES 50,000/month
KWS rangers face dangerous wildlife encounters but earn far less than police or military personnel. Many officers have protested unpaid salaries, with some going months without pay due to financial mismanagement.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Heavy reliance on government funding
- Irregular salary disbursements
- High operational costs with low revenue
3. National Youth Service (NYS)
📌 Average Salary: KES 21,645 – KES 50,820/month
NYS recruits earn below KES 10,000, despite rigorous training. Recent 40% salary increments still leave them far behind police and military counterparts.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Seen as an entry-level training program
- Frequent corruption scandals affecting funding
- High staff turnover due to poor pay
4. Kenya Power
📌 Average Salary: KES 60,000 – KES 120,000/month
Despite being a commercial parastatal, Kenya Power pays secretaries and junior staff as low as KES 60,000, while senior engineers earn KES 160,000. Frequent blackouts and financial losses have led to salary delays.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- High debt and inefficiencies
- Frequent government bailouts affecting payroll
- Union disputes over wage stagnation
5. Kenya Railways Corporation
📌 Average Salary: KES 30,000 – KES 80,000/month
Despite managing major infrastructure projects, Kenya Railways pays junior staff poorly. Many employees rely on overtime and allowances to supplement their incomes.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Heavy reliance on state subsidies
- Slow salary growth despite modernization projects
- Competition from private transport firms
6. National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
📌 Average Salary: KES 80,000 – KES 150,000/month
NEMA, responsible for environmental protection, pays fresh graduates KES 80,000, much lower than private-sector environmental firms.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Limited revenue streams (mostly donor-funded)
- Low priority in government budget allocations
- High turnover due to better private-sector offers
7. Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
📌 Average Salary: KES 40,000 – KES 100,000/month
Despite regulating product quality, KEBS salaries lag behind private-sector equivalents. Junior inspectors earn less than KES 50,000, despite high responsibility.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Budget cuts are affecting operations
- Slow salary reviews by SRC
- Corruption scandals affecting funding
8. Kenya Post Office (Posta)
📌 Average Salary: KES 25,000 – KES 70,000/month
With declining mail services, Posta struggles to pay competitive wages. Many employees earn below KES 30,000, pushing them to seek side hustles.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Declining business due to digital disruption
- Heavy reliance on government subsidies
- Poor modernization efforts
9. Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC)
📌 Average Salary: KES 35,000 – KES 90,000/month
Despite Kenya’s reliance on agriculture, ADC salaries remain low compared to private agribusiness firms.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Underfunded sector
- Poor revenue generation
- Limited career growth
10. Water Services Boards (WSBs)
📌 Average Salary: KES 29,115/month (lowest in public sector)
Employees in water and sewerage services earn the lowest average wage (KES 29,115) in Kenya’s public sector.
🔹 Why It Pays Poorly:
- Poor revenue collection in rural areas
- High operational costs
- Low government prioritization
Why Are These Parastatals Underpaying?
- Government Budget Constraints – Many rely on Treasury funding, which is often delayed or insufficient.
- Low Revenue Generation – Unlike commercial parastatals (e.g., KenGen), service-based ones struggle with profitability.
- SRC Salary Caps – The SRC restricts salaries, especially for entry-level workers.
- Corruption & Mismanagement – Some parastatals lose funds to graft, affecting payroll.
Conclusion
While some Kenyan parastatals offer lucrative salaries, many workers in prisons, wildlife, NYS, and water services struggle with low pay and delays, making them the Worst-Paying Parastatals in Kenya. The SRC and government must address these disparities to improve morale and productivity.
💡 Want a better-paying job? Check out Kenya’s highest-paying parastatals for =>comparison!
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