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Social Worker Jobs in Kenya – Roles, Qualifications, Salaries & Top Employers
Social work plays a crucial role in Kenya’s development, providing essential services that improve lives, empower communities, and protect vulnerable populations. As government institutions, NGOs, and international organizations expand their reach, social worker jobs in Kenya are becoming increasingly important and widely available across urban and rural areas.
Whether you are a recent graduate with a degree in social sciences or an experienced field officer, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the social work job market in Kenya, what qualifications you need, expected salaries, and where to apply.
 Why Social Work is an Important Career in Kenya
- Rising demand due to poverty, mental health needs, child welfare, and gender-based violence
- Opportunity to work with vulnerable groups: children, women, refugees, the elderly, and persons with disabilities
- Make a tangible difference in communities and influence public policy
- Supported by national and international funding through NGOs and donor agencies
Common Social Work Jobs in Kenya
| Job Title | Typical Employer | Average Salary (KSh/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Worker | Government, NGOs | 30,000 – 100,000 |
| Community Development Officer | County Government, CBOs | 35,000 – 120,000 |
| Case Worker | UN agencies, NGOs | 50,000 – 150,000 |
| Psychosocial Counselor | Hospitals, NGOs, rehab centers | 40,000 – 130,000 |
| Child Protection Officer | UNICEF partners, NGOs | 60,000 – 180,000 |
| Gender & GBV Officer | Women’s orgs, shelters, NGOs | 70,000 – 200,000 |
| Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (Social Programs) | NGOs, donors | 80,000 – 250,000 |
| Program Officer | International NGOs, CBOs | 70,000 – 180,000 |
| Refugee Support Worker | UNHCR, IRC, RCK | 60,000 – 160,000 |
| Probation Officer | Judiciary, Children’s Services | 45,000 – 110,000 |
Higher salaries often come from international NGOs and UN-funded projects, especially in hardship or emergency zones.
Qualifications Needed for Social Worker Jobs in Kenya
Academic Requirements:
- Diploma or Degree in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Community Development
- Counseling Psychology
- Gender and Development
- Public Health (for community programs)
Preferred Certifications:
- Counseling & Trauma Management
- Child Protection & Safeguarding
- Gender-Based Violence Response
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
- Proposal Writing & Grant Management
Regulatory Bodies:
- National Association of Social Workers Kenya (NASW-K) – registration is encouraged for professionals.
Key Skills for Social Work Professionals
- Active listening and empathy
- Case management and report writing
- Conflict resolution and crisis intervention
- Community mobilization and facilitation
- Familiarity with laws on children, gender, and human rights
- Knowledge of donor reporting (USAID, EU, UN)
- Swahili and local languages (advantage in rural roles)
Top Employers Offering Social Worker Jobs in Kenya
Government Agencies:
- Ministry of Labour and Social Protection
- Department of Children’s Services
- National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC)
- National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
- Judiciary (Probation and Aftercare Services)
NGOs & International Organizations:
- UNICEF Kenya
- Red Cross Kenya
- Save the Children
- UNHCR / IRC / NRC
- World Vision
- ActionAid
- Plan International
- LVCT Health
- AMREF Health Africa
Faith-Based & Community Organizations:
- Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
- Caritas Kenya
- Islamic Relief Kenya
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across counties
Where to Find Social Work Jobs in Kenya
| Job Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| BrighterMonday | NGO, government & local org jobs |
| MyJobMag Kenya | Development & health sector jobs |
| Fuzu | Entry-level & mid-level jobs |
| ReliefWeb | International NGO and UN jobs |
| UN Jobs Kenya | UN and donor-funded programs |
| LinkedIn Jobs | Professional and remote social work roles |
| County Government Portals | Community outreach & children’s services |
How to Start a Career in Social Work
- Pursue a diploma or degree in social sciences
- Volunteer or intern with CBOs or NGOs to gain experience
- Join professional bodies like NASW-K to grow your network
- Take short courses on GBV, M&E, proposal writing, etc.
- Apply for county-level jobs to build grassroots experience
- Create a strong CV and cover letter tailored to development work
Trends in Social Work in Kenya (2025 Outlook)
- More roles in mental health and trauma care (especially in conflict zones)
- Demand for digital social work tools and mobile-based outreach
- Focus on data-driven interventions and reporting (M&E skills valued)
- Growth in climate justice and environmental social work
- Greater attention to child protection and youth empowerment programs
How to Write a Strong CV for Social Work Jobs
Highlight community engagement and outreach work
Emphasize reports, M&E, or proposal-writing experience
Showcase soft skills like empathy, patience, and problem-solving
List training courses or certifications (e.g., Trauma Counseling, Safeguarding)
Include Swahili or local language fluency for grassroots roles
Conclusion on Social worker jobs in Kenya
Social work jobs in Kenya offer a meaningful career path for those passionate about people, justice, and community change. With the growing presence of NGOs, government programs, and international partners, this field continues to expand and evolve.
Whether you are helping children stay in school, supporting victims of GBV, or empowering vulnerable communities, your work matters.
Need help with your social work CV or finding current job openings?
Request a free editable CV template, or let me help you search the latest listings for your county or specialization.
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