Salary Deductions in Kenya: What Your Employer Can and Cannot Take скачать в хорошем качестве

Salary Deductions in Kenya: What Your Employer Can and Cannot Take

In this second episode of Court Helicopter Explainer on the Employment Act (Cap 226) of Kenya, lawyer Dunstan Omari explains the law surrounding deductions from employees’ wages. Many workers across different sectors—casual labourers, M-Pesa agents, waiters, watchmen, teachers, and matatu workers—often face situations where employers deduct money from their salaries due to shortages, damaged property, absenteeism, or other reasons. But what does the law actually allow? This episode breaks down Section 19 of the Employment Act, which clearly outlines the circumstances under which employers can legally deduct money from an employee’s wages. The discussion also highlights the limits placed on employers when making deductions, including statutory contributions like NSSF, PAYE, and other government deductions, recovery of loans, and court-ordered payments such as child support. Importantly, the law requires that deductions must be lawful and properly accounted for, and employers who deduct money but fail to remit it to the relevant authorities commit a criminal offence. Employees who experience illegal deductions have the right to seek justice at the Employment and Labour Relations Court.