Nairobi, July 21 -- For many young workers, disappearing from a job without notice can seem like the quickest way to move on. But some are discovering that a bad exit can come with an unexpected price tag.

Kenyan courts have ordered employees to repay notice pay, training costs and, in some cases, millions of shillings for breaching their contracts.

Here's what the law says about leaving a job.

Can you legally quit your job by SMS, WhatsApp or email?

"Yes, an employee may validly resign through electronic means such as SMS, WhatsApp or e-mail, provided that the communication clearly conveys an unequivocal intention to terminate the employment relationship," says Mary Audi, a lawyer.

"The Employment Act of 2007 does not prescribe a sp...