A job offer is exciting, and the temptation is to sign and start. But the contract is the document you will rely on when something goes wrong, so a careful read before you sign is time well spent. You do not need to be a lawyer to spot the main points. This guide lists what to look for.

Get it in writing

Insist on a written contract that states the terms in clear language. A verbal promise about a bonus or a future promotion is hard to prove. If something was agreed in the interview, such as a review date or a transport allowance, ask for it to be included. The employer should also give you a copy to keep.

Pay and how it is described

Check whether the salary is gross or net. A figure quoted as "net" means what you receive after tax and deductions, which is a very different commitment for the employer. If it is gross, work out what you will take home with the net to gross salary calculator. Confirm the pay date, whether there are allowances, and how and when pay will be reviewed. Check the salary is not below the legal minimum; the minimum wage checker and how to check the minimum wage for your job help.

Probation

Many contracts start with a probation period. Check how long it lasts, what rights you have during it and how it ends. Probation, contracts and notice periods in Kenya explains the rules. Make sure the contract says what happens at the end, such as confirmation in writing.

Notice and termination

Look at the notice either side must give, and whether pay in lieu of notice is allowed. Read the clauses on dismissal, redundancy and misconduct. If you are made redundant, how redundancy and severance pay are taxed shows what to expect, and what you are owed when you resign lists the final dues.

Hours, overtime and leave

Check the working hours, rest days and how overtime is paid or compensated. The overtime pay calculator shows the standard rates, and overtime pay rules and tax in Kenya explains them. For leave, confirm annual leave, sick leave and maternity or paternity leave; see annual leave rights and sick, maternity and paternity leave in Kenya.

Deductions and statutory contributions

The contract should say that statutory deductions will be made and paid on your behalf: PAYE, NSSF, SHIF and the Housing Levy. Be wary of other deductions, such as for uniforms or training, unless they are clearly agreed and lawful. After you start, check that contributions are being paid, using how to check your NSSF, SHIF and Housing Levy are being paid.

Benefits

List every benefit promised: medical cover, pension, housing, a vehicle, a phone or a bonus. Ask how each is calculated and who pays the tax. Company car and housing benefits and taxable allowances and company benefits explain how benefits affect your pay.

Restrictions

Some contracts limit what you may do after you leave, such as working for a competitor, or restrict outside income during employment. Read these carefully, and ask whether they are reasonable. If you plan a side business, check it is allowed.

Red flags

  • A refusal to give you a written contract.
  • Pay that is lower than the minimum wage or "to be agreed".
  • Deductions that are not explained.
  • A very long probation or repeated short contracts for permanent work.
  • Pressure to sign immediately.

Keep your copy safe

After signing, store the contract with your payslips and tax documents; the tax records checklist and document log provides a list. Check your first payslip against the contract, with how to spot mistakes on your payslip.

If anything is unclear, ask the employer to explain it in writing before you sign. A reasonable employer will not mind, and it is far easier to fix a clause now than after you have started.

Ask before you sign

Write down your questions and ask them at once. Useful ones include: who do I report to, how will my performance be reviewed, what happens to my leave if I resign, and are there any bonuses that depend on the company's results? Note the answers in an email so you have a record. If the employer refuses to clarify something important, treat that as information about what working there will be like.