Chege wa Wairimu, a digital marketing manager based in Mombasa, rejected a KSh 140,000 monthly salary offer from a Nairobi-based firm.The offer came with a hybrid work setup requiring four days in the office and no relocation support, despite Chege living outside Nairobi with his family.He argued that the salary was far below international market rates, which range between KSh 517,000 and KSh 643,250.Chege highlighted that Kenyan employers often undervalue skilled workers, leading to underpayment and overwork.He emphasized the importance of knowing one's worth and negotiating based on skills, not just internal budgets.

The incident sparked discussions about workplace culture in Kenya, with professionals debating whether employees should set higher salary expectations.Chege also noted that remote work opportunities in Kenya can yield higher earnings, but they require years of skill development.His stance reflects a growing trend of professionals demanding fair compensation and challenging traditional salary norms in the region.