What to Do Immediately After Losing Your Job in Kenya
KaziKit · 4 August 2026
Losing a job is one of the most disorienting things that can happen professionally. In Kenya, where many people support not just themselves but extended family, the stakes feel even higher. This guide covers what to do in the days and weeks immediately after — in order — so you can move forward with a clear head.
What are your legal rights when you lose your job in Kenya?
Before anything else, understand what you are entitled to. The Employment Act 2007 sets out clear rights.
Notice or pay in lieu of notice. Unless you were dismissed for gross misconduct, you are entitled to notice before termination — or a payment equivalent to that notice period. For employees employed for more than one month, the minimum notice is 28 days (or one month if paid monthly). Many contracts specify longer periods.
Terminal dues. If you were employed for a year or more, you may be entitled to severance pay. Under the Employment Act, this is calculated at 15 days' pay for each completed year of service, unless your contract provides for more.
Certificate of service. Every employer is legally required to give you a certificate of service when your employment ends. This is separate from a reference — it is a factual record of your employment dates and position, and you are entitled to it.
Accrued leave pay. Any unused annual leave must be paid out on termination.
NSSF and NHIF. You do not lose your NHIF coverage immediately, but you will need to self-pay contributions to maintain it. Your NSSF contributions belong to you and are accessible at retirement.
If you believe you were dismissed unfairly — without valid reason or without due process — you can file a claim at the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC). You have three years from the date of dismissal to file.
Get everything in writing. Request a formal termination letter stating the date and reason for termination. You will need this document.
What should you do in the first 48 hours?
The emotional weight of job loss is real. Give yourself space to process it — but there are a few things worth doing quickly while details are still fresh.
Document everything. Note the date you were told, who told you, what was said, and whether a reason was given. If the dismissal was verbal, follow up by email to confirm the details in writing.
Secure your personal files. If you had personal documents on a company device — your own performance reviews, commendations, copies of work you originated — check your contract for what you are entitled to keep. Company data is not yours. Personal documents generally are.
Do not sign anything immediately. If your employer asks you to sign a settlement agreement on the day of dismissal, you are not required to sign it on the spot. Ask for time to review it, and consider getting legal advice first, especially if it involves waiving your right to legal action.
How do you handle your finances after losing a job?
The anxiety of job loss is usually about money. A clear picture of your finances is better than uncertainty.
Calculate your runway. Write down what money is coming in (terminal dues, savings, other income) and what goes out each month (rent, food, school fees, transport, loan repayments). How many months can you sustain your current expenses? That number is your runway, and it determines how much time pressure you are actually under.
Contact your landlord and creditors early. If you have a loan or rent you might struggle to pay, reach out before you miss a payment — not after. Banks and landlords are more willing to make arrangements when you approach them proactively. Waiting until you are in arrears reduces your options significantly.
Review your discretionary spending. Subscriptions, eating out, transport choices — identify what you can cut temporarily without affecting your wellbeing too much. The goal is to extend your runway, not to punish yourself.
Check if you qualify for any support. Kenya does not have a formal unemployment benefit scheme, but if you are a member of a union or professional association, check whether they offer any financial support or emergency resources to members facing job loss.
How do you tell people — family, former colleagues, your LinkedIn network?
This is the part most people dread most.
You do not owe everyone an explanation. For distant contacts and acquaintances, you do not need to announce anything. For close family who will notice or who depend on you, an honest conversation is better than trying to maintain appearances.
How you talk about it to former colleagues matters. Keep it professional and brief — "the role was made redundant" or "we parted ways" is sufficient. Do not burn bridges, even if you are angry. The Kenyan professional world is smaller than it appears, and reputations are long.
LinkedIn is a choice, not an obligation. Some people update to "Open to Work" immediately. Others wait until they have something concrete to say. Both are fine. If you do update LinkedIn, a clear, confident headline — "Experienced finance professional | Open to new opportunities" — is more effective than leaving your profile to explain itself.
How long does it typically take to find a new job in Kenya?
There is no single answer, but a realistic range for most professionals is two to six months. Factors that affect it include:
- How clearly your CV communicates your experience and how well you tailor it to each role (see our guide on how to write a CV in Kenya)
- How active your professional network is — most roles in Kenya are filled through referrals before they are ever advertised publicly
- The sector you are in — some industries (tech, finance, NGOs) tend to move faster than others
- The time of year — January to March and August to October are generally more active hiring periods in Kenya
Plan for the longer end of the range. If you find something faster, that is a bonus. If it takes the full six months, you will not have been caught off guard financially.
What is the right mindset going into a job search after retrenchment?
Retrenchment is not a reflection of your capability — it is a business decision. Most hiring managers understand this and will not hold it against you. If asked in an interview why you left your last role, a straightforward answer — "the company went through a restructuring and my position was made redundant" — is completely sufficient. You do not need to elaborate or apologise.
What matters in the job search is moving forward with structure: a clear daily routine, defined daily tasks (applications sent, contacts reached, skills refreshed), and enough rest that you can show up to interviews at your best.
The professionals who recover fastest from job loss are usually not the ones who apply most frantically. They are the ones who apply most selectively, with well-prepared applications for each specific role.
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