Kenya’s NGO sector employs over 70,000 professionals and continues to attract top talent in humanitarian aid, research, education, public health, and climate action.
In 2025, salaries in international NGOs remain highly competitive—averaging KSh 313,000 per month, compared to Kenya’s national average of ~KSh 90,000. From UN agencies leading at KSh 350,000+ to child-focused NGOs like Save the Children at KSh 200,000, here is the definitive, ranked list of the Highest-Paying NGOs in Kenya (2025) based on aggregated data from Glassdoor, MySalaryScale, and KNBS surveys (from lower to highest average pay).

Disclaimer: Salary ranges below are estimates based on 2025 public data. Pay varies by job level, donor funding, contract type, duty station, and years of experience.

The 10 Highest Paying NGOs in Kenya 2025 (Ranked from Lower to Higher Average Pay)

10. CARE International Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 150,000–250,000

CARE’s programs in Kenya cover gender, food security, and poverty alleviation, requiring technically skilled staff and experienced program managers.

Highlights: Field allowances, comprehensive medical cover, 25+ days annual leave.

Why it stands out: Strong gender equity policies; partners with local communities for sustainable impact. Best for: Program coordinators, gender specialists, field officers.

Website: care.or.ke

9. Oxfam International Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 180,000–300,000

Oxfam tackles poverty through advocacy and resilience projects in urban slums and refugee camps. Highlights: Education subsidies for staff kids, flexible remote work, performance bonuses up to 15%.

Why it stands out: Global network with Nairobi HQ; transparent salary scales (COO up to KSh 1.9M).

Best for: Policy advocates, M&E experts, humanitarian responders.

Website: oxfam.org/en/kenya

8. World Vision Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 180,000–280,000

This Christian humanitarian organization has a massive reach in Kenya, focusing on community development and child sponsorship programs.

Highlights: Child protection training, pension matching, 30 days leave + sabbaticals.

Why it stands out: Evangelical roots with inclusive hiring; high retention via career growth paths.

Best for: Child welfare officers, sponsorship managers, logistics pros. Website: wvi.org/kenya

7. Save the Children Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 200,000–320,000

Since 1950, Save the Children operates extensive programs across Kenya focused on child protection, education, and health.

Highlights: Psychosocial support, family medical plans, annual wellness retreats.

Why it stands out: Top child-focused employer; salaries beat local averages by 50%.

Best for: Education specialists, child protection advocates, program directors. Website: savethechildren.org.ke

6. Mercy Corps Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 200,000–350,000

Mercy Corps focuses heavily on sustainable development, including significant programs on climate change resilience and economic development in arid and semi-arid lands.

Highlights: Leadership training, hardship allowances for field work, equity shares for seniors.

Why it stands out: General Counsel roles hit KSh 2.2M; youth-focused with global mobility.

Best for: Climate experts, youth program leads, data analysts. Website: mercycorps.org/kenya

5. International Rescue Committee (IRC) Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 220,000–340,000

The ICRC is a respected humanitarian leader, providing emergency response and working in high-risk zones. It offers Refugee support in Dadaab and Kakuma, with health and economic recovery programs.

Highlights: Trauma counseling, relocation support, 20% bonus on performance.

Why it stands out: High-demand for med pros; entry pay over KSh 180k for grads.

Best for: Health officers, refugee caseworkers, logistics coordinators. Website: rescue.org/country/kenya

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4. UNICEF Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 250,000–400,000

UNICEF works to promote and protect the rights of children and women in Kenya.

Highlights: UN pension scheme, education grants, diplomatic immunity perks.

Why it stands out: Global prestige; median KSh 300k+ with rapid promotions.

Best for: Nutrition specialists, rights advocates, data scientists. Website: unicef.org/kenya

3. UNHCR Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 280,000–420,000

UNHCR helps to save lives and build better futures for the millions of people forced to flee their homes. UN refugee agency, managing 700k+ refugees with protection and integration focus.

Highlights: Hazard pay in camps, family relocation aid, 28 days leave.

Why it stands out: UN scales with expat-level benefits; legal experts top KSh 500k.

Best for: Protection officers, asylum lawyers, camp managers. Website: unhcr.org/ke

2. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

As a research-heavy organization, ILRI pays competitive rates to scientists, agricultural economists, and research managers.

Highlights: higher salaries for lead researchers.

Why it stands out: Ties to World Bank funding; avg. KSh 200k per KNBS 2025.

Best for: Agribusiness advisors, health policy analysts, grant writers. Website: usaid.gov/kenya

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1. United Nations (UN) Agencies Kenya – Avg. Salary: KSh 350,000+

The entity serves as an “umbrella” for UN agencies like the UNDP and WHO. It is located at the Gigiri complex in Nairobi, and is involved in policy and emergency coordination.

Highlights: Tax-free salaries, international schools subsidy, 30+ days leave.

Why it stands out: Global brand, high donor funding, and roles that range from policy, development, rights, to technical expertise. International benefits and expatriate allowances often apply.

Best for: Policy experts, emergency coordinators, senior diplomats. Website: kenya.un.org

How We Ranked These Highest Paying NGOs in Kenya (Nov 2025 Methodology)

We analyzed data from 20+ sources, scoring on:

1. Average Monthly Salary: Aggregated from entry to senior roles (e.g., KSh 100k–500k+).
2. Benefits & Perks: Health insurance, education allowances, hazard pay (4.5+ Glassdoor rating).
3. Hiring Trends: Open roles in 2025 (e.g., via Corporate Staffing).
4. Impact & Stability: Funding reliability and employee retention.

Sources:

• MyJobMag Top 10 2025
• Kenyan Job Finder Top 20
• KNBS Economic Survey 2025 (Tuko)
• Glassdoor & PayScale NGO Salaries

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