6. Statistics on Poverty and Inequality
in Kenya
• Among the top ten most unequal countries in the world
and fifth in Africa
• Over 93% of the richest 20% of the population have
access to clean drinking water, compared to only 28%
of the poorest 20%
• The 10% richest households in Kenya control more than
42% of incomes, while the poorest 10% control 0.76%
of the total income for the country
7. Statistics Cont'd
• 46% of the total Kenyan population is absolutely poor,
i.e. below the poverty line ($1.25 per day)
• 49% of the rural population is absolutely poor
• 44% live below the poverty line in Nairobi but levels
range from 8% in Nairobi west, Kibera Division to 77%
in Makongeni, Makadara Division
8. KEY NATIONAL STATISTICS
• Population: 41.61 million
• GDP: $33.62billion
GDP per capita: $1,718
• Income level: Low-income country (< $1, 025
according to Atlas method)
• 143rd on the world MPI ranking
15. Ethnic and Geographic Factors
Ranks
Richest(56
%
Poorest
1
56%below
poverty line
averag
e
Poorest
2
16.
17. Theory
• John Burton – The Human Needs Theory
• Certain universal needs that must be satisfied if people
are to prevent or resolve destructive conflicts
• High competition for:
o rights
o jobs
o education
o language
o social amenities and good health care facilities
19. Political Structure & Poverty
HISTORY
• 1885-1963 British colony
• 1963 declared independence
• President Jomo Kenyatta 1963-1978
• President Daniel Arap Moi 1978-2002
• President Mwai Kibaki 2002-present
20. Kenyatta Presidency
• Kenyan African National Union (KANU)
• Economic growth
• Increased foreign investment
• Decreased capital outflows
• Higher standard of living
• Primary exports-based economy
• Unequal distribution of wealth
21. Moi Presidency
• KANU
• Created one-party state
• Corruption
• Too much power concentrated in one place
• Foreign aid/investment dwindles
• Served 5 terms (max)
22. Kibaki Presidency
• KANU
• Anti-corruption platform
• Limit ethnic discrimination
• Proposed new Constitution
• Corruption, stagnant economic growth, high
levels of poverty, natural disasters, restricted
foreign aid
23. 2007 Post-Election Crisis
• Kibaki closely defeats Raila Odinga (National
Rainbow Coalition—NARC)
• Violent crisis sparked by ethnic tensions
Photo: Committee
to Protect
Journalists,
December 2010
24. Participatory Governance
―Human development broadens people’s
choices, raises their standard of living and
improves their quality of life. It expands human
capabilities and access to opportunities in the
social, economic and political arenas,
especially for the poor.‖ --Third Kenya Human
Development Report (2003)
25. New Constitution
• Signed into law 2010
• Five basic principles
1. equity and inclusiveness
2. equity of opportunities
3. delinking politics and policy
4. better access to national resources
5. bringing government closer to the people
27. New Constitution Outcomes
• Drastically reduce corruption
• Increase participatory governance
• More equitable distribution of wealth
• Higher standard of living
• Boost economic growth
• Eliminate ethnic discrimination in governance
• Decrease poverty
and more….
28. Sources
• Dupas & Robinson. ―Coping with Political Instability: Micro Evidence from
Kenya’s 2007 Election Crisis.‖ American Economic Review: Papers &
Proceedings 100 (May 2010): 120–124. Web. November 2012.
• Rhodes, Tom. ―Kenyan radio station manager wanted at The Hague‖
Committee to Protect Journalists Blog. 23 December 2010. Web. November
2012.
• United States. Library of Congress—Federal Research Division. Country
Profile: Kenya. June 2007. Web. November 2012.
• United Nations Development Programme. Human Development Report
2003: Participatory Governance for Human Development. 2003. Human
Development Reports. Web. November 2012.
29. Sources Cont'd
• The World Bank. Kenya Economic Update: Navigating the Storm, Delivering
the Promise with a special focus on Kenya’s momentous devolution.
December 2011. Ed. 5. Web. November 2012.
• Society of International Development, "Pulling Apart:Facts and Figures on
Inequality in Kenya." Trans. Array Rich and Poor: National Discourses on
Poverty, Inequality and Growth Project. Society of International
Development, 2004.
• Suri, Tavneet, David Tschirley, Charity Irungu, Raphael Gitau, and Daniel
Kariuki. "Egerton University." 13 Nov 2012.
<http://www.tegemeo.org/documents/work/Tegemeo-WP30-Rural-incomes-
inequality-poverty-dynamics-Kenya.pdf>.
