Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) in Kenya
Kenya: Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) was 64.1% in 2021. ▼ Falling
Female labor force participation rate in Kenya, 1989–2021
Source: Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in %.
Analysis
In 2021, female labor force participation rate in Kenya stood at 64.1%.
That represents a change of up 1.9% on the previous year and down 10.4% over ten years.
Over the whole period, female labor force participation rate in Kenya peaked at 71.5% in 2009 and was at its lowest, 56.6%, in 2005.
Kenya ranks 35th of 194 countries on this measure, in the top quarter.
Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) in Kenya, year by year
| Year | % | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 70.8% | — |
| 1999 | 70.4% | -0.5% |
| 2005 | 56.6% | -19.6% |
| 2009 | 71.5% | +26.4% |
| 2016 | 71.5% | -0.1% |
| 2019 | 62.9% | -12.0% |
| 2021 | 64.1% | +1.9% |
Kenya compared with similar countries
- Kenya's 64.1% is above the median for lower middle income countries, which is 47.6%, 1.3× the median. (44 countries reporting)
- Kenya's 64.1% is above the median for Sub-Saharan Africa, which is 57.6%, 1.1× the median. (41 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 70.8% | 70.8% | 70.8% | 1 |
| 1990s | 70.4% | 70.4% | 70.4% | 1 |
| 2000s | 64.1% | 56.6% | 71.5% | 2 |
| 2010s | 67.2% | 62.9% | 71.5% | 2 |
| 2020s | 64.1% | 64.1% | 64.1% | 1 |
Countries ranked near Kenya
- 32 Saint Kitts and Nevis 64.4% compare
- 33 Ghana 64.4% compare
- 34 Netherlands 64.4% compare
- 36 Sierra Leone 63.9% compare
- 37 Peru 63.7% compare
- 38 Qatar 63.5% compare
More work & labour data for Kenya
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes, annual -0.0278 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male, annual growth -0.0507 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female, annual growth -0.0073 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population, annual growth rate 0.2281 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population, annual growth rate 2.98 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population 44,185 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population 51,282 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female 53,727 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male 50,468 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes 104,196 1000 No (2100)
Frequently asked questions
- What is female labor force participation rate in Kenya?
- Female labor force participation rate in Kenya was 64.1% in 2021, according to Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest female labor force participation rate recorded in Kenya?
- The highest recorded value was 71.5% in 2009.
- What is the lowest female labor force participation rate recorded in Kenya?
- The lowest recorded value was 56.6% in 2005.
- How does Kenya rank for female labor force participation rate?
- Kenya ranks 35th out of 194 countries with data for 2021.
- Is female labor force participation rate rising or falling in Kenya?
- Over the last ten years it is down 10.4%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
- Where does this Kenya data come from?
- The figures come from Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Female labor force participation rate. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Share of the female working-age population who are economically active (employed or unemployed). Figures refer to national estimates and may not be fully comparable across countries.