The latest report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) sheds light on a significant shift in Kenya’s labor market, particularly regarding the earnings of women. In the past year alone, the number of women earning above Ksh.100,000 has increased by an impressive 92 percent, reflecting the growing influence and success of women in the workforce. This rise underscores a larger trend of women’s expanding role in sectors that have traditionally been dominated by men.
In 2023, the number of women earning Ksh.100,000 and above rose from 125,579 in 2022 to 139,847, marking a substantial leap in this income bracket. While the growth in female high earners has been notable, men still dominate this earning category. However, the increase in the number of women reaching this financial threshold points to a shift in the labor market dynamics.
The growth in high-earning women stands in stark contrast to the marginal rise in male workers in the same income bracket. The number of male workers in this category rose slightly from 246,315 in 2022 to 247,571 in 2023, a modest increase compared to the 92 percent growth in the number of women top earners. This suggests that while men still represent the majority of high earners, women are rapidly narrowing the gap.
This remarkable change is a result of several factors, including the increased participation of women in formal sectors that have long been male-dominated. The construction, agriculture, and education sectors have seen the highest influx of women entering the workforce, which has contributed significantly to the rise in women’s earnings. Women are now not just a presence in these industries, but are rising to positions of leadership and high responsibility, often commanding salaries that were previously reserved for their male counterparts.
Industries with the highest number of top earners in 2023 include education, wholesale and retail trade, social work, and agriculture. Among these, the education sector stands out as the leader, with 89,125 female workers earning above Ksh.100,000, accounting for 21 percent of the total top earners. Education has long been a stable and growing sector in Kenya, and women have increasingly found opportunities for advancement. This trend is particularly evident in the rise of female teachers, administrators, and educational consultants.
Following education, wholesale and retail trade saw 46,911 female workers earning above Ksh.100,000, while social work had 39,643, and agriculture 35,144. These sectors reflect a diverse range of career opportunities where women are not only entering the workforce but excelling in their roles.
The overall distribution of Kenyan workers by income shows that the majority of employees fall within the Ksh.30,000 to Ksh.49,999 and Ksh.50,000 to Ksh.99,999 brackets. However, the growing number of women in the Ksh.100,000-plus category highlights the changing nature of the labor market. It is also important to note that women are increasingly being found in sectors like public administration, which was once perceived as challenging for female workers to penetrate.
While the rise in the number of women earning above Ksh.100,000 is promising, it’s important to remember that women still face barriers to achieving full equality in the workplace. The gender pay gap, unequal access to opportunities, and underrepresentation in leadership roles remain challenges. However, the progress witnessed in the past year is a hopeful sign of positive change.
In conclusion, the dramatic 92 percent increase in the number of women earning over Ksh.100,000 represents more than just a statistical rise—it is indicative of the growing economic empowerment of women in Kenya. As more women enter formal sectors like education, agriculture, and construction, their presence in high-income brackets will continue to grow, leading to broader societal benefits and greater gender equality in the workforce. Kenya’s labor market is evolving, and women are at the forefront of this transformation.
