Top 20 Highest-Paying NGOs in Kenya (2025)

Imagine starting your Monday morning feeling genuinely excited about your work—helping communities thrive, empowering children, or protecting wildlife—while also bringing home a salary that rivals the best the corporate world can offer. For many people, a career in Kenya’s nonprofit sector conjures images of volunteering, tight budgets, and heartwarming stories. What you might not realize is that some NGOs are as competitive as top-tier corporations when it comes to compensation and benefits.

Welcome to our Top 20 Highest-Paying NGOs in Kenya (2025) guide. We’ve scoured salary reports, employee testimonials, and credible platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn to present you with NGOs that blend purpose with prosperity. This isn’t just another dry salary list—we’ll share real-life success stories, career-boosting tips, and a few surprising perks that might change how you view the world of nonprofits.

Ready to discover how you can combine passion and a competitive paycheck? Read on.

Why NGO Careers Are More Than Just ‘Charity Work’

Before we dig into the highest-paying NGOs, let’s bust a myth: working at an NGO is not synonymous with low pay and endless volunteer stints. Yes, NGOs are mission-driven, often reliant on donor funding, and dedicated to solving complex societal issues. However:

• They handle large budgets. Multi-million-dollar grants are common, especially from global donors and philanthropic billionaires.
• They rely on specialized skills. Whether it’s a logistics manager coordinating relief efforts or a data scientist analyzing public health trends, NGOs need top talent—and they pay for it.
• Career growth is real. Field experience can fast-track you into leadership roles. In some NGOs, your job performance can open international doors.

Think of NGO jobs as a hybrid of corporate professionalism and deep-rooted social impact—a place where you can flex your expertise while championing causes that truly matter.

Top 20 Highest-Paying NGOs in Kenya (2025)

1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Official Site: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Globally renowned for addressing infectious diseases and agricultural challenges in Africa.
• Invests heavily in cutting-edge research, with staff often attending global conferences and summits.
• Provides professional development grants (including MBAs), plus generous healthcare and relocation benefits.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Program Manager: ~KES 300,000 – 450,000/month
• Grants Officer: ~KES 250,000 – 350,000/month

2. CARE International

Official Site: https://www.care-international.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Rapid disaster response and long-term sustainable development projects in drought or flood-prone areas.
• Prioritizes staff well-being, offering flexible schedules, mental health support, and leadership workshops.
• Collaborates with local governments and grassroots organizations for greater impact.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Senior Field Officer: ~KES 150,000 – 200,000/month
• M&E Specialist: ~KES 220,000 – 300,000/month

3. World Vision International

Official Site: https://www.worldvision.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Focuses on child welfare in education, healthcare, and nutrition across Kenyan counties.
• Encourages mentorship by pairing new hires with seasoned humanitarian professionals.
• Offers additional allowances for employees working in remote or high-need regions.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Project Coordinator: ~KES 150,000 – 220,000/month
• Technical Advisor: ~KES 250,000 – 350,000/month

4. Oxfam

Official Site: https://www.oxfam.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Fights global inequality and climate injustice; partners with local groups on women’s rights and fair land policies.
• Emphasizes cross-border teamwork—Kenyan teams often collaborate with regional offices.
• Offers free counseling, stress-management workshops, and flexible scheduling for staff.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Policy Advisor: ~KES 300,000 – 380,000/month
• Program Manager: ~KES 280,000 – 400,000/month

5. Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

Official Site: https://www.msf.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Delivers critical medical aid in conflict zones, refugee camps, and remote areas.
• Provides specialized field training, hazard pay, and global rotation opportunities.
• Offers robust insurance coverage, including life and hazard insurance for frontline workers.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Medical Officer: ~KES 220,000 – 300,000/month
• Logistics Coordinator: ~KES 180,000 – 250,000/month

6. AMREF Health Africa

Official Site: https://amref.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Headquartered in Nairobi; renowned for innovative solutions like Flying Doctors and telemedicine.
• Encourages employee-led research and provides collaborations with international health agencies.
• Offers skill-advancement opportunities, making it a prime employer in Kenya’s health sector.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Public Health Specialist: ~KES 200,000 – 280,000/month
• Project Manager: ~KES 220,000 – 300,000/month

7. PATH

Official Site: https://www.path.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Accelerates global health innovations in vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices.
• Collaborates with top Kenyan universities on research, offering staff strong academic networks.
• Provides grants and mentorship for research presentations at international conferences.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Research Scientist: ~KES 250,000 – 330,000/month
• Grants Manager: ~KES 200,000 – 280,000/month

8. Plan International

Official Site: https://plan-international.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Advocates for children’s rights, emphasizing girls’ education and vocational training.
• Fast-track leadership programs for high performers and strong parental leave policies.
• Engages in early childhood development, menstrual hygiene management, and youth empowerment projects.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Sponsorship Coordinator: ~KES 120,000 – 180,000/month
• Senior Program Officer: ~KES 180,000 – 250,000/month

9. UNICEF

Official Site: https://www.unicef.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• United Nations-backed, ensuring above-average salary scales and global allowances.
• Partners with government ministries to influence national policies on child healthcare and education.
• Operates “Innovation Labs” for developing digital tools and community outreach strategies.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Education Specialist: ~KES 300,000 – 400,000/month
• Child Protection Officer: ~KES 250,000 – 350,000/month

10. Save the Children

Official Site: https://www.savethechildren.net/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Combines emergency response with long-term child-centered development in healthcare, education, and nutrition.
• Offers comprehensive training in communication, child psychology, and public speaking.
• Maintains flexible working arrangements with strong maternity/paternity leave benefits.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Field Program Manager: ~KES 200,000 – 300,000/month
• Communications Officer: ~KES 180,000 – 220,000/month

11. Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Official Site: https://www.crs.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Focuses on humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and agriculture projects, especially in marginalized regions.
• Promotes ethical leadership and a values-driven culture, encouraging continuous staff feedback.
• Provides performance-based incentives and ample training opportunities for career growth.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Program Coordinator: ~KES 180,000 – 250,000/month
• Finance Manager: ~KES 200,000 – 280,000/month

12. African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)

Official Site: https://www.awf.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Premier conservation organization protecting species like elephants and rhinos in collaboration with local communities.
• Field visits offer firsthand wildlife monitoring experiences alongside rangers and ecologists.
• Partnerships with global zoological societies and government agencies open doors for transnational research.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Conservation Scientist: ~KES 200,000 – 300,000/month
• Community Liaison Officer: ~KES 150,000 – 220,000/month

13. Mercy Corps

Official Site: https://www.mercycorps.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Tech-focused NGO tackling youth unemployment through digital innovations and mobile-based finance solutions.
• Encourages employees to pitch new ideas, offering seed funding for promising pilot projects.
• Provides generous retirement plans, health insurance, and an inclusive workplace culture.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Innovations Lead: ~KES 250,000 – 350,000/month
• Senior Program Manager: ~KES 270,000 – 400,000/month

14. ActionAid Kenya

Official Site: https://kenya.actionaid.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Renowned for grassroots mobilization, focusing on women’s empowerment, governance, and anti-corruption campaigns.
• Practices transparency in salary structures, letting employees see the clear path to progression.
• Collaborates closely with community leaders, ensuring inclusive project planning and implementation.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Campaigns Officer: ~KES 120,000 – 180,000/month
• Gender Specialist: ~KES 200,000 – 280,000/month

15. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Official Site: https://www.undp.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Aligns with government bodies on large-scale policy and governance reforms in Kenya.
• UN salary scales surpass many local NGOs, plus extensive insurance and education benefits.
• Ideal platform for those wanting to shape national policy on climate resilience, public sector innovation, and more.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Program Analyst: ~KES 250,000 – 350,000/month
• Sustainable Development Specialist: ~KES 300,000 – 400,000/month

16. International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Official Site: https://www.rescue.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Focuses on emergency aid in refugee camps like Dadaab and Kakuma, requiring quick thinking and resilience.
• Trains staff in trauma management, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.
• Hazard allowances boost earnings for employees stationed in high-risk zones.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Field Coordinator: ~KES 180,000 – 250,000/month
• Protection Officer: ~KES 150,000 – 220,000/month

17. Red Cross (IFRC)

Official Site: https://www.ifrc.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• A global emblem of neutrality, offering disaster response, medical services, and volunteer training.
• Cross-border deployments let staff gain international experience, managing large-scale humanitarian efforts.
• Hands-on leadership opportunities through volunteer coordination and community engagement.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Disaster Response Coordinator: ~KES 180,000 – 250,000/month
• Medical Logistics Manager: ~KES 200,000 – 280,000/month

18. UNHCR

Official Site: https://www.unhcr.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Safeguards the rights of refugees and stateless people, coordinating camps and legal assistance.
• Offers global rotations within the UN, expanding career horizons beyond Kenyan borders.
• Comprehensive packages include education grants for dependents and generous field allowances.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Protection Officer: ~KES 250,000 – 350,000/month
• Field Coordinator: ~KES 200,000 – 280,000/month

19. ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross)

Official Site: https://www.icrc.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Maintains strict neutrality in conflict zones, focusing on humanitarian law, prisoner welfare, and IDP assistance.
• Roles are highly specialized, attracting legal advisors, engineers, and conflict-resolution experts.
• Hazard pay and additional perks for employees in dangerous postings.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Delegate (Humanitarian Affairs): ~KES 220,000 – 320,000/month
• Communication Officer: ~KES 180,000 – 250,000/month

20. World Food Programme (WFP)

Official Site: https://www.wfp.org/
Why It’s Awesome:

• Tackles hunger and malnutrition through relief food distribution, local agriculture investments, and school feeding programs.
• Field postings come with subsidized housing, travel allowances, and UN-level benefits.
• Encourages innovation in supply chain management, often partnering with tech firms.

Sample Mid-Level Salaries:

• Logistics Officer: ~KES 250,000 – 320,000/month
• Nutrition Specialist: ~KES 220,000 – 300,000/month

Factors Shaping NGO Salaries

• Funding Reliability: NGOs backed by multiple donors or large endowments can offer higher, more stable pay.
• Role Specialization: M&E experts, conflict-resolution specialists, and medical professionals often command higher salaries.
• Field Location: Urban hubs like Nairobi mean higher living costs (thus bigger paychecks). Hazard allowances also apply to remote or conflict zones.
• Employee Retention Strategies: NGOs with frequent turnover usually enhance compensation packages to keep top talent.

Real-Life Success Stories

1. From Intern to Country Director
   • Sarah W. started as an intern at ActionAid Kenya. Her passion for community mobilization and leadership quickly propelled her up the ranks. Now a Country Director overseeing four counties, she earns over KES 500,000 monthly while mentoring dozens of young professionals.
2. Medical Officer Turned Global Advisor
   • Dr. Samuel O. joined Doctors Without Borders after completing his Master’s in Public Health. Within five years, he took on global advisory roles in conflict zones, doubling his initial salary thanks to hazard pay. His expertise in disease outbreak response now sees him consulting worldwide.
3. Tech to the Rescue
   • Tobias K. left a corporate tech job to join Mercy Corps as an Innovations Lead. He developed a mobile-based donation platform connecting donors and rural farmers, drawing in large-scale funding. The success brought him a hefty performance bonus and high-profile speaking engagements.

Tips to Land a High-Paying NGO Position

• Sharpen Your Resume: Highlight relevant volunteer or field experience. NGOs value proven dedication and adaptability.
• Network Like Crazy: Attend nonprofit workshops, conferences, and job fairs. Personal recommendations can be a game-changer.
• Invest in Specialized Skills: Short courses in project management, humanitarian law, or data analytics can set you apart.
• Monitor Funding Trends: If donors pivot to healthcare or climate change, aligning your skill set to these areas boosts your hiring potential.
• Stay Adaptable: Be open to traveling or relocating. NGOs often need staff in remote or high-need regions, where salaries and allowances can be higher.

(Need more guidance? Check out our NGO Career Booster Resource for a step-by-step job-hunting strategy!)

Your Next Move

Who says doing good and earning well are mutually exclusive? Kenya’s NGO landscape is bigger, bolder, and better-funded than ever, making it a fertile ground for professionals craving both impact and financial stability. From large global players like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to homegrown champions like AMREF Health Africa, there’s a world of opportunity waiting.

Your Next Move:

• Update your CV with tangible achievements.
• Explore NGO-focused platforms like ReliefWeb and NGO Jobs in Africa.
• Reach out to industry insiders for referrals or guidance.

Why settle for a dull 9-to-5 when you can uplift communities, tackle hunger, protect wildlife—and still enjoy a robust paycheck? It’s time to pick your cause and chase that dream job.

Useful External Resources for Further Reading

• Glassdoor: Employee reviews and salary insights.
• LinkedIn: Network with NGO professionals and explore job listings.
• ReliefWeb: Comprehensive humanitarian job portal and sector updates.

A Call:
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By The Kenyan Job Finder Team