Doctor Salary in Kenya (2025) Public, Private & Government Breakdown
Doctors in Kenya play a critical role in maintaining the country’s healthcare system. As professionals responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing illnesses, understanding their compensation is vital both for aspiring medical students and practicing healthcare workers. In this detailed guide, we break down the Doctor Salary in Kenya across public, private, and county sectors.
Average Doctor Salary in Kenya
Doctors’ salaries vary widely depending on several key variables including:
- Sector: Public, Private, NGO
- Experience: Entry-level to senior consultants
- Location: Urban vs rural counties
- Specialization: General practitioners vs specialists
Doctor Salary in Kenya by Sector
| Sector | Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Level Salary | Senior/Consultant Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Hospitals | KSh 140,000 | KSh 250,000 | KSh 500,000+ |
| Private Sector | KSh 180,000 | KSh 350,000 | KSh 600,000+ |
| NGOs (e.g., MSF) | KSh 250,000 | KSh 400,000 | KSh 700,000+ |
Doctor Salary in Kenya: Public Sector (Government)
Doctors employed by government hospitals are paid according to the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) job groups. Below is a breakdown:
Public Sector Salary by Job Group
| Job Group | Position | Monthly Salary (Gross) |
|---|---|---|
| L | Medical Officer Intern | KSh 140,000 |
| M | Medical Officer | KSh 180,000 – 230,000 |
| N | Senior Medical Officer | KSh 250,000 – 300,000 |
| P | Consultant/Specialist | KSh 350,000 – 500,000+ |
Additional Allowances
- House Allowance
- Commuter Allowance
- Risk Allowance
- Non-practice Allowance (for some roles)
Government employed doctors also benefit from pension contributions and union representation.
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Doctor Salary in Kenya: Private Sector
Doctors in private hospitals generally earn higher salaries, especially in established institutions like:
- Aga Khan University Hospital
- Nairobi Hospital
- MP Shah Hospital
- Avenue Hospital
Typical Private Sector Pay
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | KSh 180,000 – 220,000 |
| 5 to 10 Years | KSh 300,000 – 450,000 |
| Consultants | KSh 600,000+ |
Private hospitals may offer additional benefits such as:
- Performance bonuses
- Profit-sharing models
- Flexible working hours
- Access to research and international conferences
Salary Growth in Private Sector
diffCopyEditYears of Experience | Monthly Salary (KSh)
--------------------|----------------------
0–2 years | 180,000 – 220,000
3–5 years | 250,000 – 300,000
6–10 years | 350,000 – 450,000
10+ years | 500,000 – 700,000+
County vs National Government Doctors
With Kenya’s devolved healthcare system, many doctors are now hired by county governments. However, this has introduced disparities:
National vs County Comparison
| Factor | National Government | County Government |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Timeliness | More consistent | Frequently delayed |
| Union Representation | Strong (via KMPDU) | Variable |
| Working Conditions | Better in referral hospitals | Often limited resources |
| Career Progression | Well-structured | Less standardized |
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Doctor Salary in Kenya by Specialization
Specialist doctors earn significantly more than general practitioners. Here’s a breakdown by specialty:
Salary by Doctor Specialization
| Specialization | Monthly Salary (KSh) |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner | 180,000 – 250,000 |
| Pediatrician | 350,000 – 450,000 |
| Gynecologist | 400,000 – 500,000 |
| Psychiatrist | 300,000 – 400,000 |
| Cardiologist | 450,000 – 600,000+ |
| Surgeon | 500,000 – 750,000+ |
Specialist salaries are highest in private hospitals or NGO roles (e.g., Doctors Without Borders).
Career and Salary Progression
Here’s a typical career path for doctors in Kenya, including salary growth:
- Intern (0–1 year)
- Salary: KSh 120,000 – 140,000
- Mandatory year under supervision
- Medical Officer (2–4 years)
- Salary: KSh 180,000 – 230,000
- Can work in public or private sectors
- Registrar / Resident (5–7 years)
- Salary: KSh 250,000 – 300,000
- In specialization programs at university hospitals
- Consultant / Specialist (8–15 years)
- Salary: KSh 350,000 – 600,000+
- Qualified in a specific area
- Senior Consultant / Professor / Director (15+ years)
- Salary: KSh 600,000 – 1M+
- May also earn from private clinics, academic roles, or NGO work
Doctors vs Other Medical Professions
How do doctor salaries stack up against other medical fields?
👨⚕️ Doctor vs Other Healthcare Salaries
| Profession | Monthly Salary (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Doctor (General) | 180,000 – 250,000 |
| Clinical Officer | 70,000 – 120,000 |
| Nurse (Diploma) | 45,000 – 90,000 |
| Pharmacist | 120,000 – 200,000 |
| Receptionist (Hospital) | 30,000 – 45,000 |
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- Mechanical Engineering Salary in Kenya
- Electrical Engineer Salary in Kenya
Key Factors Influencing Doctor Salary
Several variables directly impact doctor salaries:
- Sector (Public vs Private vs NGO)
- Location (Urban vs Rural) – Urban areas typically pay more
- Experience & Education – MBChB vs MD, postgraduate degrees
- Union Involvement – Representation impacts negotiations
- Specialization – Highly specialized roles command higher salaries
Common Challenges in Doctor Compensation
Despite being highly trained, many doctors in Kenya face real struggles:
- Delayed salaries (especially in counties)
- Poor working conditions in rural areas
- Overwork and burnout
- Brain drain to countries like the UK, US, and South Africa
- Inadequate medical supplies and support staff
Opportunities to Boost Doctor Income
Kenyan doctors can increase their earnings through:
- Private Practice – Running clinics during off-hours
- Consulting & Locum Work – Temporary hospital shifts
- NGO & International Organizations – Higher salaries, travel
- Medical Lecturing – Teaching in universities
- Telemedicine – Growing digital health services
Conclusion
In 2025, Doctor Salary in Kenya remains competitive, especially for specialists and private-sector professionals. While challenges exist, opportunities for financial growth through experience, specialization, and entrepreneurship are promising.
Aspiring doctors should focus on continuous learning, networking, and professional affiliations to stay competitive.