VS
Farming vs Employment in Kenya 2025
Should you farm or get employed? Compare real income, expenses, and net profit. Make data-driven career decisions.
Real Income Comparison: 1 Acre Farm vs KES 50,000 Salary
Typical scenario for a Kenyan deciding between farming and formal employment
| Metric | Farming (1 Acre Maize) | Employment (KES 50K/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | KES 70,000 (20 bags × KES 3,500) | KES 50,000/month × 12 = KES 600,000/year |
| Deductions/Costs | KES 35,000 (Seeds, fertilizer, labor, plowing) | KES 15,000/month (PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy) |
| Net Income | KES 35,000 per harvest (4 months) | KES 35,000/month × 12 = KES 420,000/year |
| Annual Net (if 2 seasons) | KES 70,000/year (2 harvests) | KES 420,000/year |
| Monthly Average | KES 5,833/month | KES 35,000/month |
💡 Key Insight:
With 1 acre of maize farming alone, employment wins financially. However, farming becomes profitable at scale: 5 acres = KES 175,000 net per harvest (exceeds annual salary in one season). Many Kenyans combine both: work and farm on weekends.
Farming in Kenya
Best for: Land owners, risk-takers, long-term wealth building
✅ Advantages
- No PAYE tax deductions on farming income
- Potential for high returns (20-30 bags maize = KES 70,000+)
- Government subsidies (fertilizer at 50% off)
- Multiple income streams (crop rotation)
- Asset appreciation (land value increases)
- Flexible working hours
❌ Disadvantages
- Weather and climate risk
- High upfront capital (KES 30,000-50,000 per acre)
- 3-4 months wait before harvest
- Market price fluctuations
- No guaranteed monthly income
- Physical labor intensive
Employment in Kenya
Best for: Stable income seekers, career growth, urban lifestyle
✅ Advantages
- Guaranteed monthly salary
- NSSF pension contributions (employer match)
- SHIF health insurance coverage
- Career growth opportunities
- Access to mortgage loans
- Stable income for budgeting
❌ Disadvantages
- PAYE tax up to 35% for high earners
- NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy deductions
- Limited income ceiling (salary cap)
- Office hours 8 AM - 5 PM
- Job security risks
- Take-home can be 30-40% less than gross