Source
If you’re looking for where to find casual jobs in Nairobi, start with three places: industrial and warehouse areas, construction sites, and trusted online job boards and company pages. Much casual work is filled in person and fast, so arriving early and staying reachable by phone matters. Never pay anyone to get you casual work.
What Counts as Casual Work in Nairobi
Casual work is short-term work, usually paid daily or weekly, without a long-term contract. It’s often the fastest way to earn when you need money now, and it can lead to more.
Common types:
- Warehouse and loading: packing, sorting, loading and offloading
- Construction (mjengo): general labour and skilled trades like masonry, plumbing and welding
- Factory work: packaging, machine support, quality checks
- Cleaning: offices, homes, events, post-construction
- Events and hospitality: waiting, ushering, setup and catering support
- Retail and promotions: merchandising, sampling, stocktaking, brand activations
- Delivery and errands: motorbike or bicycle delivery, courier support
- Markets: loading, sorting and stall work
Your rights as a casual worker
Casual work still comes with rights. Under Section 37 of the Employment Act, 2007, if a casual employee works continuously for a total of at least one month, or does work expected to take three months or more, the contract converts to one with monthly wages and the protections that come with it (Employment Act, Kenya Law).
Where to Find Casual Jobs in Nairobi (Online and Offline)
In person
Many casual jobs are never advertised. Supervisors pick workers at the gate or on site.
- Industrial Area and along Mombasa Road: factories, warehouses and distribution centres
- Export Processing Zones such as Athi River
- Active construction sites: ask the site foreman, early in the morning
- Major markets like Gikomba, Wakulima (Marikiti) and Eastleigh
- Hotels, event venues and caterers: ask to join their weekend casual list
- Supermarkets and malls: merchandising and stocktaking, often through agencies
Walk-in tips: arrive early, carry your ID, wear practical clothes and closed shoes for physical work, and be polite to guards and foremen. They often decide who gets picked. Leave your number and ask to be called for the next shift.
Online
- Established job boards with casual, part-time and short-term listings
- Company websites and social pages of large retailers, logistics firms and event companies
- Delivery apps that onboard riders directly through their own official channels
- Facebook and WhatsApp groups useful, but handle with care
Through people you know
Tell everyone you’re available: neighbours, church, chama, former classmates. Supervisors often ask good workers to bring someone reliable. Your reputation as a hard worker is one of your best job leads.
How to Avoid Scams in Casual Hiring
Urgent job seekers are a favourite target for scammers. Protect yourself:
- Never pay for casual work. No registration fee, “gate fee”, uniform fee or medical fee.
- Be careful with online adverts that give only a phone number or ask for money first.
- Hand over your ID only to a real employer or recognised agency at a real workplace.
- Never share your M-Pesa PIN.
- Check the address. If the “interview” is in a random building or a house, don’t go alone, and tell someone where you’re going.
- Check agencies. Private employment agencies must be registered with the National Employment Authority. You can check their status on the NEA agency list.
If you’re asked for money, report the number to Safaricom by SMS to 333. For the full list of red flags, read our guide to fake job offers in Kenya.
Getting Paid Fairly for Casual Work
Before a shift, ask five questions:
- How much is the pay for the day or task?
- When and how will I be paid: daily or weekly, cash or M-Pesa?
- What hours does the shift cover, and is overtime paid?
- Is lunch or transport provided?
- Is safety gear provided?
Know the minimum wage. Kenya sets minimum wages by job category through Regulation of Wages Orders, and the most recent amendment was published in June 2026. [VERIFY: current minimum monthly and daily rate for a general labourer in Nairobi under the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2026]
Keep records. Note dates, hours and amounts in a notebook or on your phone, and save M-Pesa messages as proof of payment. If you’re not paid, raise it politely with the supervisor first. If that fails, go to your nearest labour office.
Turning Casual Work Into Something Steady
Casual work can be your first step, not your last. Many supervisors hire permanent staff from their most reliable casuals.
- Be reliable. On time, every time you’re called.
- Learn the next skill up. Loading? Learn stock control. On site? Learn from the fundi.
- Ask about contract roles after a few weeks of good work.
- Ask for a reference you can list on your CV.
- Put casual work on your CV. It shows work ethic and real skills.
- Get certified. A NITA trade test certificate or a short TVET course in your trade can open better-paid work.
