Wage discrimination in Kenya
Introduction
One of the issues or problems faced by different organisations, and the government as well is the issue of wage discrimination specifically in the workplace environment. Often times, women are the victims of discrimination because of the stereotyped and the unequal treatment of men and women as professionals. In these issues, Kenya is never an exemption.
Wage Discrimination in Kenya
Kenya is considered as one of the developing countries in the African region, in terms of labour market participation, the country’s wage employment grew from 1964-1973 with average of 3.6% and after that improved 4.2% per year between 1974 and 1979. In the 1981, the development had slipped to a approximately 3.4% and this rate further dropped in the following years to a general lost in investment among private sectors. In 1988, the growth rate has reached 6.1% due to the introduction of the Nyayo Tea Zones as an agro-corporation (Mwega and Kabubo, 1993). After which, the development has declined nice again in 1989 with 4.4%. and rise in marginal condition to 4.5% in the 1990. In the first 5 years of the 90s, it is said that the wage employment of the country reached 11.5%, but this reversed radically with wage employment growing slowly with 1.8% between on the last 4 years due to the economic recession, adverse environmental conditions, and reduced economic activity in manufacturing and as well as the agricultural industries (Republic of Kenya, Economic Survey, 2001).
Accordingly, wage in Kenya have reached major losses over the years as compared with those working in the informal sectors. This creates tremendous effect of the wages received by the employees, specifically for women. Accordingly, research have noted that labour markets in Kenya are segmented by gender with majority of women Working in non-market activities at home or in the information sectors. Gender evaluation presents that there is industrial and occupation segregation in the Kenyan human capital. For instance, in1984, women constituted only 16% of the total wage employees the forestry and agricultural, and a dismal 10% in manufacturing, and only 26% of the total wage employees in community, social as well as personal services. Although there are changes after 14 years, this changes is only marginal with the proportion in the forestry and agriculture to 20%, the proportion in manufacturing to 17%, as well as he distribution community, social as well as personal services to 40%. In addition, women in Kenya has been noted to have lower participation in the labour market and higher unemployment rates than their male counterparts, specifically in the urban areas. In 1986, just over 2/3 of the total human capital population parcitipaed in the labour market, almost half of the total percentage of women devote more time in household chore and less time in wage employment. Study also shows that urban women earn less than half (49%) as much as the men in the urban region. In addition, women’s earnings are constantly lower than men’s even when coping for the employment type status of employment, occupation and hours of work (Republic of Kenya, 1988).
Recommended Solution
Based on the analysis, it shows that women in Kenya are earning less than males. In order for the government to solve the issue, the government should be able to determine the factors that affect industries to provide lesser wage and salary among women. In addition, the government should also consider enhancement of education among women, giving more opportunities to be part of work environment and to showcase their skills and talents in practice. The government should establish policies that would adhere to the rights of the women to be given equal chance and opportunities in the global market. In addition, they should also consider policy that would abolish inequality and discrimination of women in the society.
Reference
Mwega, F. and J. Kabubo. 1993. “Kenya”. In A. Adepoju, ed., The Impact of Structural Adjustment on the Population of Africa: The implications for education, health and employment. For United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). London: James Curry
Republic of Kenya. 1988. Urban Labour Force Survey, 1986. Ministry of Planning and
National Development, Nairobi
Republic of Kenya: Economic Survey. Various issues. Nairobi: Government Printer.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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