🕊️ Financial Planning

The NSSF pension: contributions, tiers and how much you get

Since 2024 the NSSF is a contributory pension with two tiers, not a flat provident fund. How the LEL and UEL work, what comes off your pay, and why you still need a scheme on top.

Emergency fund: how much do you need?

An emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses protects you from unexpected costs without expensive debt. Kenya has no unemployment benefit, so it matters even more. How to work out your figure and build it.

Financial independence: how to calculate your number

Financial independence means your investment returns cover your spending. How to use the 4% rule, how much your savings rate matters, and how to account for tax, inflation and the NSSF pension.

How income tax, PAYE and statutory deductions work in Kenya

The five PAYE bands, the KSh 2,400 personal relief, and the NSSF, SHIF and Affordable Housing Levy deductions — an overview of what comes out of your pay and what you can claim.

The Affordable Housing Levy and buying a home in Kenya

You pay 1.5% of your salary to the Affordable Housing Levy. It is a tax, not a savings account — but it funds a programme you can apply to for a home. How the levy, Boma Yangu and KMRC mortgages work.

What happens if you lose your job in Kenya

Kenya has no unemployment benefit. What severance pay you are entitled to on redundancy, what Inua Jamii is and isn't for, and why an emergency fund is the main safety net here.