The employment-to-population ratio is a critical measure of economic activity that shows the percentage of a region’s working-age population that is employed. In Kenya, where economic growth and job creation are top government priorities, this ratio provides valuable insights into the labor market health across the 47 counties.
Understanding these figures helps policymakers, businesses, and development organizations assess where more employment opportunities are being created and where interventions may be needed to boost job creation. The latest data ranks counties by the proportion of the working-age population that is employed, and it’s no surprise that some of Kenya’s most agriculturally productive and business-friendly regions dominate the top spots.
Top Counties by Employment-to-Population Ratio
- Kirinyaga – 76.7%
Kirinyaga County leads with an impressive 76.7% of its working-age population employed. This high employment rate is likely due to the region’s strong focus on agriculture, particularly tea and horticulture, as well as small-scale industries. - Nyandarua – 75.3%
Nyandarua comes in second with 75.3%, driven by its productive agriculture sector, particularly in potato farming and dairy production. Nyandarua also benefits from proximity to Nairobi, providing employment opportunities in logistics and trade. - Murang’a – 74.4%
Murang’a has a solid employment-to-population ratio of 74.4%, supported by tea, coffee farming, and emerging real estate developments. The county’s rapid urbanization is also creating more opportunities in construction and services. - Nyeri – 73.9%
With 73.9% of its working-age population employed, Nyeri is thriving on coffee farming, dairy production, and growing tourism tied to its proximity to Mount Kenya. - Embu – 73.6%
Embu County ranks fifth with 73.6%, driven by agriculture (especially tea, coffee, and macadamia) and a growing commercial sector. - Taita Taveta – 70.8%
Taita Taveta County, with 70.8%, leverages its mining sector and agriculture, particularly sisal and horticulture farming. - Tharaka Nithi – 69.9%
Known for its small-scale farming and trading activities, Tharaka Nithi also shares the 69.9% employment figure. - Narok – 69.9%
Narok County, home to the world-famous Maasai Mara, ties with Tharaka Nithi. Tourism and large-scale wheat farming are the primary employment drivers. - Kericho – 69.9%
Famous for its tea plantations, Kericho also registers 69.9%. The county’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, particularly tea, which employs a significant portion of its population. - Laikipia – 69.6%
Laikipia rounds out the top ten with 69.6% employment, driven by mixed farming, wildlife conservancies, and eco-tourism initiatives.
Key Insights from the Rankings
- Agriculture is a major employment driver: Counties like Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, and Murang’a have high employment rates due to thriving agricultural sectors. These regions are key tea, coffee, and horticulture producers, which provide employment for a large segment of the population.
- Tourism boosts employment in certain regions: Narok and Taita Taveta, both with significant tourism activities, enjoy relatively high employment rates. Narok benefits from the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, while Taita Taveta is known for Tsavo National Park.
- Counties with urban centers have lower employment ratios: Surprisingly, Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and economic hub, ranks much lower at 59.8%. The relatively lower figure is due to higher unemployment and underemployment levels in the informal sector, which dominates the city.
Counties with the Lowest Employment-to-Population Ratios
At the lower end of the spectrum are counties in Northern Kenya, many of which face challenges such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited economic activities.
- Garissa – 37.1%
Garissa County ranks the lowest, with just 37.1% of its working-age population employed. The county’s economy is hindered by challenges such as drought, insecurity, and limited private sector growth. - Turkana – 43.6%
Despite being home to oil reserves, Turkana County has 43.6% of its working-age population employed. The harsh climate and remote location continue to hamper economic growth. - Mandera – 47.5%
Mandera, at 47.5%, also struggles with limited economic opportunities due to insecurity and inadequate infrastructure.
Counties with the Highest Employment-to-Population Ratios
These counties are driving Kenya’s labor market, largely due to their strong agricultural base and, in some cases, tourism:
| Rank | County | Employment-to-Population Ratio (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kirinyaga | 76.7 |
| 2 | Nyandarua | 75.3 |
| 3 | Murang’a | 74.4 |
| 4 | Nyeri | 73.9 |
| 5 | Embu | 73.6 |
| 6 | Taita Taveta | 70.8 |
| 7 | Tharaka Nithi | 69.9 |
| 8 | Narok | 69.9 |
| 9 | Kericho | 69.9 |
| 10 | Laikipia | 69.6 |
| 11 | Makueni | 68.2 |
| 12 | Bomet | 67.8 |
| 13 | Siaya | 67.7 |
| 14 | Machakos | 67.6 |
| 15 | Meru | 67.2 |
| 16 | Samburu | 66.4 |
| 17 | Kitui | 66.2 |
| 18 | Kiambu | 66.1 |
| 19 | Nakuru | 66.0 |
| 20 | Vihiga | 65.7 |
| 21 | Nyamira | 65.7 |
| 22 | Lamu | 65.4 |
| 23 | Nandi | 65.3 |
| 24 | Busia | 65.1 |
| 25 | Kisii | 65.0 |
Counties with the Lowest Employment-to-Population Ratios
Northern Kenya counties and urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa have relatively lower employment-to-population ratios due to various challenges:
| Rank | County | Employment-to-Population Ratio (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | Kakamega | 64.7 |
| 27 | Homa Bay | 64.0 |
| 28 | Kwale | 63.7 |
| 29 | Bungoma | 63.4 |
| 30 | Baringo | 63.3 |
| 31 | Migori | 63.3 |
| 32 | Kajiado | 62.9 |
| 33 | West Pokot | 62.8 |
| 34 | Elgeyo Marakwet | 62.4 |
| 35 | Trans Nzoia | 60.4 |
| 36 | Kisumu | 60.4 |
| 37 | Kilifi | 59.9 |
| 38 | Uasin Gishu | 59.8 |
| 39 | Nairobi | 59.8 |
| 40 | Tana River | 56.9 |
| 41 | Marsabit | 54.1 |
| 42 | Isiolo | 54.1 |
| 43 | Mombasa | 52.4 |
| 44 | Wajir | 48.1 |
| 45 | Mandera | 47.5 |
| 46 | Turkana | 43.6 |
| 47 | Garissa | 37.1 |
Factors Affecting Employment Levels in Kenya
The employment-to-population ratio is influenced by a range of factors, including:
- Agricultural productivity: Counties that rely on agriculture tend to have higher employment levels, as farming provides consistent work, especially in regions known for cash crops like tea, coffee, and flowers.
- Urbanization: While urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa have higher numbers of jobs, they also have higher unemployment rates due to population influxes and competition for limited formal sector positions.
- Tourism and natural resources: Counties like Narok and Laikipia benefit from tourism and wildlife conservancies, which provide employment in services, hospitality, and conservation efforts.
- Insecurity and infrastructure challenges: Northern counties, such as Garissa, Mandera, and Turkana, often suffer from underemployment due to insecurity and poor infrastructure, limiting business and industrial growth.
The employment-to-population ratio across Kenyan counties provides a clear picture of the country’s labor market disparities. While agricultural and tourism-driven counties boast high employment rates, regions facing infrastructure challenges, insecurity, and harsh climatic conditions are lagging behind. As the government continues to push for the Bottom-Up Agenda, focusing on job creation through manufacturing, food security, and affordable housing, addressing these disparities will be key to boosting overall employment and economic growth in Kenya.
