How METRIKA calculates this
Each year, gross pay grows by your yearly raise. At every promotion interval it also jumps by the promotion percentage. METRIKA then runs each year's pay through the same statutory engine as the salary calculator: NSSF (6% up to KES 108,000), SHIF (2.75%), Housing Levy (1.5%) and PAYE with KES 2,400 personal relief.
Tax bands and the NSSF limit are held at today's values, because future changes aren't known. Take-home in today's money divides by (1 + inflation) to the power of the number of years. The raise needed to stand still is found by testing raises until real take-home at the end equals today's.
What to know in Kenya
Kenya's PAYE bands are set in law and aren't adjusted for inflation automatically, so a raise that only matches inflation usually leaves you slightly poorer after tax. The NSSF upper limit rose to KES 108,000 in February 2026 as part of a phased schedule, which also affects pay between KES 72,000 and KES 108,000.
Changing jobs is often where the biggest jumps happen. Try a shorter promotion interval to see how much it changes your path.
Frequently asked questions
What raise do I need to keep up with inflation?
A bit more than inflation itself, because more of your raise is taxed at higher bands. The tool calculates the exact figure for your salary.
What is bracket creep?
When pay rises but tax bands stay fixed, more of your income is taxed at higher rates, so your tax share grows even if your buying power doesn't.
Does this include allowances and bonuses?
Only if you include them in gross monthly pay. Annual bonuses are taxed under PAYE in the month they're paid.
What is the inflation rate in Kenya now?
Kenya's inflation was 7.3% in October 2026, up from 6.8% in September. A raise below inflation means your pay buys less than before.
What raise should I ask for in Kenya?
At least enough to beat inflation after tax. This simulator shows the exact raise needed for your salary, because more of each raise is taxed at higher PAYE bands.
Does changing jobs increase pay more than staying?
Often, yes. A move can bring a bigger jump than a yearly raise. Try a shorter promotion interval and a larger jump here to compare.
Sources
- Kenya Revenue Authority — PAYE
- Grant Thornton Kenya — NSSF Year 4 rates from 1 February 2026
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics — CPI & inflation
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Rates checked 6 Nov 2026. METRIKA gives estimates, not financial or tax advice.