Regional Disparities in Employment and Human Development in Kenya

Abstract

What are the regional disparities in employment and human development in Kenya? This is obviously some of the questions that linger in the minds of many Kenyans as they prepare to mark the second anniversary of the promulgation of the new Constitution in August 2012. This chapter attempts to explore the regional disparities in employment, earnings and human development in Kenya. It contextualizes the study within the framework of unbalanced regional development that Kenya has grappled with since attaining political independence in 1963. It then discusses the various indicators of regional imbalances in employment, earnings and human development. It concludes that Kenya still manifests considerable regional disparities in employment, earnings and human development. It is expected that effective implement of the Constitution, inclusive of the devolved system of government will help address these imbalances.