Gender inequality and poverty: The Kenyan case*

Socio-economic conditions in Kenya are deteriorating, and poverty rates are on the rise. This article finds that a significant and rising incidence of absolute poverty exists in Kenya and women suffer from poverty more often than men. This is more pronounced in female-headed households. The high poverty rates among women can be linked to their unequal situation in the labour market, their lack of voice and participation in decision-making in the family/household and other institutions and because gender disparities persist in access and control of human, economic and social reforms. The female/male ratios in Kenyan decision-making institutions are highly skewed against women and they experience unfavourable enrolment ratios in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. The share of income earned by women is much lower than men's share. The GDI and GEM, their weaknesses not withstanding, also show that gender inequality exists in Kenya.