SL'ERS MAGAZINE

The youth and women, particularly in arid areas, participate less in nonsubsistence work activities than other groups, driven by the lack of suitable jobs in the area linked to low non-farm diversification and, for women, family responsibilities. Poor individuals and those living in rural areas continue to rely on agriculture and low-productivity services sub-sectors for employment. 

The growing incidence of shocks, especially extreme weather shocks, amid limited resilience among the poor, amplifies the negative effect of shocks on household welfare. where poverty is already high. In addition, climate change is forecast to have the largest negative impact on poverty in the poorest parts of the country. The poor have limited strategies to cope with shocks, rendering them less resilient to these shocks This was demonstrated by the pandemic, which led to a significant rise in poverty driven by a large increase in urban areas. While recovery from the pandemic had begun in 2021, the poor’s consumption was slower to recover and, as a result, poverty levels remained above pre-pandemic levels. 

 

According to Wiki, Kenya has 34 universities and colleges. Out of which 8 universities rank among the top 100 in the Webometrics Sub Saharan list. For instance, during  the 66th Graduation of University of Nairobi, 6427 students passed in Kenya. The University of Nairobi ranks 9th in 2018 in  webometrics in the continent.

 

Like the rest of Africa, Kenya is still predominantly rural but urbanizing rapidly. Today, 30 percent of Kenyans live in cities. Nairobi and Mombasa are home to 10 percent of the population but represent 40 percent of the country’s wage earnings.  If cities thrive, the overall economy will benefit. But cities will only become true growth poles if Kenya continues to upgrade infrastructure within and between urban centers. However, despite rapid urbanization, 42 out of the 47 Kenya’s new counties will be predominantly rural.  At the same time, there is a risk that Kenya’s medium-sized cities with 100,000 to 400,000 people, will not receive the autonomy and resources they need.

 

The share of the government budget on education has also increased, reaching 19% in 2020. Education spending per capita is also relatively high compared to countries in the region. Despite these gains, challenges abound. Kenya has huge regional inequalities in all education outcomes. Only Nairobi County is near completing 12 years of Learning Adjusted Years of School (LAYS).Education outcomes are much lower in rural areas and for lower income populations. Efforts to provide remote learning revealed a significant digital divide, with over 50% of the students being left out, mainly due to lack of appropriate electronic devices, access to electricity and internet connectivity.