If you’re competing for top talent in Kenya today, a good salary is just the starting point. While compensation remains important, data shows that the best places to work in Kenya are defined by much more especially among Gen Z and millennial professionals.
That’s why The Kenyan Wall Street, in collaboration with WorkL, is spotlighting organizations that get this right through the Kenyan Wall Street Best Places to Work Awards 2025.
Between January and March 2025, WorkL surveyed thousands of Kenyan employees and uncovered a compelling trend: Kenya’s workforce is more engaged than both the African and global average, clocking an impressive 78% overall engagement score 4 percentage points higher across the board.
But there’s one category where Kenyan organizations are lagging: Reward and Recognition. While pay is an issue, employees are just as concerned about being appreciated, respected, and given flexible ways to succeed.
Gen Z and Millennials Are Leading a Cultural Shift
Young Kenyan professionals, especially those aged 19–24, are setting new expectations. With a 79% engagement score, this cohort outpaces both African (+5pp) and global (+6pp) counterparts.
They’re not just looking for jobs they want:
- •A culture they believe in
- •Managers who mentor them
- •A path to career growth
- •And the freedom to thrive
These expectations are reshaping the modern Kenyan workplace.
What the Best Employers Do Differently
WorkL’s global research across 100,000 organizations highlights Six Steps to Workplace Happiness and Kenya’s top employers are outperforming the average company in every one of them.
| Engagement Driver | % Above Average (Kenya) |
|---|---|
| Reward & Recognition | +11.3% |
| Information Sharing | +11.7% |
| Empowerment | +11.2% |
| Instilling Pride | +14.3% |
| Job Satisfaction | +13.4% |
| Wellbeing | +14.6% |
These companies don’t just offer perks they build high-trust, high-growth environments where people want to stay.
The Risk of Flight: Why Career Growth Matters More Than Ever
Employees who don’t see a future in your organization will become flight risks and high turnover is expensive. Yet employers who embed growth into their culture are rewarded with higher productivity, better morale, and long-term loyalty.
So what works?
- •Replace annual reviews with ongoing career conversations
- •Invest in learning and development, not just KPIs
- •Create visible internal mobility paths
- •Personalize growth plans not everyone wants to be a manager
- •Recognize progress, not just results
Growth-minded workplaces don’t just retain talent they attract it.
How to Join the Best Places to Work in Kenya
The Kenyan Wall Street Best Places to Work, powered by WorkL, celebrates organizations that prioritize their people. The 2025 entry deadline is June 26th.
By participating, your organization can:
- •Benchmark employee engagement
- •Celebrate your strengths
- •Identify and act on areas for improvement
- •Build an employer brand that retains and attracts the best
To enter, email: [email protected]
Final Thought: People Power Is Profit Power
At a time when talent is scarce and expectations are rising, businesses that invest in people not just positions will lead. The data is clear. The opportunity is real. The question is: will your organization be one of the best places to work in Kenya in 2025?
