Opportunities in the Kenyan job market still remains a puzzle to majority going by a revelation that nearly one-third of the population currently jobless have never been employed.
Following few job opportunities in the formal sector, the unlucky job hunters are increasingly creating jobs for themselves (self-employment), necessary to earn income to deal with the high cost of living that many now grapples with.
According to research firm TIFA, 11 per cent of Kenyans are employed full-time and another 4 per cent are employed part-time, casual laborers are at 14 per cent.
The research firm conducted a national survey between 23rd and 30th of June finding out that 8 per cent of Kenyans who are now jobless worked before, there is a tie (at 1 per cent) among those who retired with and without pension.
“Whatever criteria were employed a few years ago to re-classify Kenya as a ‘middle-income’ country, the vast majority of the population continues to struggle with the requirements of daily existence, even if several of the causes of this situation-such as the continuing effects of Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine-are neither permanent nor of Kenya’s own making,” said the researchers.
“Nearly one-third of Kenyans who are now jobless have never been employed (31 per cent), with some others now jobless have worked in the past (8 per cent). Most of those working are self-employed (29 per cent). With only about one-in-ten employed full-time (11 per cent).”
The research was conducted by means of computer assisted telephonic interviews (CATI) with some 1,500 respondents. The topics concentrated on the state of economy as experienced and perceived by Kenyans. It also covers aspects of the recently passed 2023-24 budget including the Finance Bill that President William Ruto signed into law on June 26, of which the housing levy constituted a highly contested element.
MONTHLY INCOME
The researchers noted that 38 per cent of Kenyans pocket nothing at the end of the month sending a clear signal on strain in meeting financial obligations to match high cost of living witnessed in recent months.
Those in the highest monthly income bracket earn above Sh50,000 (8 per cent), between Sh20,000 to Sh50,000 (10 per cent). Kenyans earning Sh10,000 to Sh20,000 (13 per cent), Sh5000 to Sh10,000 (12 per cent) and those earning up to Sh5,000 at 12 per cent. Those not sure of their monthly income stands at 11 per cent.
“Even those in the two highest monthly income groupings combined (Sh20,000-Sh50,000 and above Sh50000) are fewer than those earning nothing (13 per cent vs 38 per cent). The vast majority of Kenyans thus survive on extremely modest incomes.”
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