Kenya Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Kenya's female labor participation was 63.04% in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Kenya's female labor participation stood at 63.04% in 2025, a rise of +0.02pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 63.17% by 2026. Kenya ranked 28th globally.
Kenya’s female labor‑force participation rate stood at 63.04 % in 2025, placing the country 28th globally and just below peers such as Macao SAR, China (63.10 %) and Jamaica (63.03 %). The indicator has trended downward since its all‑time peak of 71.42 % in 2016, slipping to a trough of 62.17 % in 2020 before modestly recovering. Over the 36‑year series beginning in 1990, when participation was 69.73 %, the decline reflects structural shifts in agriculture, limited formal‑sector job creation for women, and the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic on informal employment. Compared with higher‑ranking economies like the Netherlands (62.71 %) that have sustained higher rates through robust childcare policies and active labour‑market programmes, Kenya’s recent gains appear fragile. Continued investment in female‑friendly vocational training, improved access to affordable childcare and policies that formalise informal work could reverse the recent slide and push participation toward its earlier peak.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 63.36% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 63.27% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.17% | - | - |
| 2025 | 63.04% | +0.02pp | #28 |
| 2024 | 63.01% | +0.07pp | #29 |
| 2023 | 62.95% | +0.11pp | #32 |
| 2022 | 62.83% | +0.16pp | #29 |
| 2021 | 62.67% | +0.50pp | #30 |
| 2020 | 62.17% | −0.65pp | #32 |
| 2019 | 62.82% | −3.00pp | #29 |
| 2018 | 65.81% | −2.87pp | #22 |
| 2017 | 68.69% | −2.73pp | #20 |
| 2016 | 71.42% | +0.06pp | #18 |
| 2015 | 71.36% | +0.06pp | #18 |
| 2014 | 71.30% | +0.06pp | #18 |
| 2013 | 71.24% | +0.06pp | #16 |
| 2012 | 71.18% | +0.06pp | #15 |
| 2011 | 71.11% | +0.06pp | #17 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's female labor participation was 63.04% in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Kenya's female labor participation peaked at 71.42% in 2016.
The lowest female labor participation in Kenya was 62.17% in 2020.
Kenya ranks 28th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's female labor participation is projected to reach 63.17% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Kenya in 2025 was 63.04%. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_female-labor-participation,
title = {Kenya Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}