One of the most common questions businesses ask before outsourcing hiring is how much recruitment agencies charge in Kenya. While fees vary across agencies, many professional recruitment agencies charge based on a percentage of the employee’s monthly gross salary, rather than annual pay.
This article explains the actual recruitment agency charges in Kenya, what influences them, and what employers should expect.
Recruitment agencies in Kenya typically charge between 70% and 100% of the hired employee’s monthly gross salary as a one-time recruitment fee.
How Do Recruitment Agencies Charge in Kenya?
Most recruitment agencies in Kenya charge employers a one-off recruitment fee calculated as a percentage of the employee’s monthly gross salary.
Agencies offering professional recruitment services usually determine the final fee after reviewing:
- The role requirements
- Seniority and specialization
- Urgency of the hire
- Level of screening involved
This model allows employers to pay once, rather than committing to ongoing costs.
What Is the Standard Recruitment Agency Fee in Kenya?
For many reputable recruitment agencies, including firms like Stellar HR Solutions, the standard pricing structure is:
- 70%–100% of the employee’s monthly gross salary
- Charged once, upon successful placement
Businesses using recruitment services for employers should always confirm whether the fee is inclusive of shortlisting, interviews, and replacement guarantees.
Do Recruitment Agencies Charge Job Seekers in Kenya?
No. Legitimate recruitment agencies in Kenya do not charge job seekers for job placement.
Ethical agencies charge employers for outsourced recruitment services, not candidates. Any agency asking job seekers to pay upfront fees to secure employment should be treated as a red flag.
If you’re unsure how to verify an agency, it helps to understand how to check if a recruitment agency is legit before engaging their services.
What Factors Influence Recruitment Agency Charges?
Recruitment agency fees in Kenya are influenced by:
- Role complexity and seniority
- Industry-specific talent shortages
- Turnaround time required
- Number of roles to be filled
- Screening depth and assessments
Companies working with an experienced recruitment agency often receive tailored pricing based on these factors.
What Do Recruitment Agency Fees Cover?
A one-time recruitment fee typically covers:
- Job advertising and candidate sourcing
- CV screening and shortlisting
- Candidate interviews and evaluations
- Reference checks and coordination
Many agencies also provide onboarding support and replacement clauses as part of their recruitment solutions, depending on the agreement.
Is Paying a Recruitment Agency Worth It?
For many businesses, yes. Using a recruitment agency:
- Reduces time-to-hire
- Minimizes the risk of bad hires
- Saves internal HR resources
Organizations that partner with a reliable recruitment agency often experience better hiring outcomes and improved staff retention.
Final Takeaway
Recruitment agencies in Kenya commonly charge 70% to 100% of an employee’s monthly gross salary as a one-time recruitment fee. Legitimate agencies charge employers, operate transparently, and clearly explain what their fees cover.
Understanding these charges helps businesses choose the right recruitment partner and budget effectively for hiring.
