An estimated 20 million Kenyans are likely to sleep hungry because they cannot meet their basic food and non-food needs, according to the latest findings by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
The statistics body estimates that there is a 39.8 per cent overall national poverty headcount rate for individuals in the country.
Headcount rate refers to the percentage of the population living below the poverty line, indicating the proportion of individuals who are considered poor. It measures the incidence of poverty without accounting for the severity or depth of poverty.
The findings come at a time that a majority of locals are grappling with heightened unemployment levels, making it hard to put food on their tables.
The 2024 Gross County Product report released Tuesday shows that as of 2022, the total working population stood at nearly 20 million individuals, out of an estimated 52 million Kenyans.
This comprised 10,483,645 males and 9,515,741 females, indicating that male participation in the workforce is slightly higher across the country.
“Nairobi City has the highest working population, at 2,191,913, reflecting its role as the country’s economic hub. This is followed by Kiambu, with 1,285,151, and Nakuru, with 947,626, both of which are also major urban and economic centres,” reads the report.
According to KNBS, these counties demonstrate higher employment figures due to their urbanisation and economic prominence.
On the other hand, counties such as Lamu (44,926), Isiolo (48,293), and Samburu (43,428) have the lowest working populations, which KNBS attributes to their smaller populations and limited economic opportunities emanating from limited diversification of economic activities.
On gender distribution of the working population, some counties, like Turkana and West Pokot, show relatively balanced gender representation in the workforce, while others, like Wajir and Mandera, exhibit a more pronounced male dominance in employment.
“This distribution underscores the diverse economic landscape across the counties, with levels of employ ment closely tied to factors such as urbanisation, industrialisation, and regional economic activities,” reads the report in part.
The report further notes that in
terms of workers’ contribution to
the economy of the county, Nakuru
emerged as Kenya’s second-largest
county by GDP in nominal terms
(face value), surpassing Kiambu
in a significant economic shift that
occurred in 2023.
