Head of Design Salary in Nairobi, Nairobi City
Nairobi is the center of Kenya's tech sector, with large companies and startups competing for design leaders. Higher living costs and international employers drive salaries up compared to the rest of the country. The city draws talent.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
KSh180,000 to KSh270,000
Average (per year)
KSh225,000
Startups and agencies set lower entry salaries, but international tech firms boost early career pay.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
KSh280,000 to KSh420,000
Average (per year)
KSh350,000
Mid-level Heads of Design work for fintech, mobile, or SaaS companies that pay above the national average.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
KSh430,000 to KSh600,000
Average (per year)
KSh520,000
Senior leaders at multinationals or local tech firms earn salaries above the national average in Nairobi.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
KSh610,000+
Principal or lead roles in Nairobi are rare and usually found at major banks, telcos, or global consultancies.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
KSh800 - KSh1500
per hour
Mid-level
KSh1600 - KSh2500
per hour
Senior
KSh2600 - KSh4000
per hour