A new survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) has revealed that nearly half of Kenyan households survive on a monthly income of less than Ksh20,000.

According to the report released on Thursday, September 11, 2025, 46 percent  of households reported earning below Ksh20,000 per month, placing them in the low-income bracket. 

Furthermore, the report revealed that  only 10 percent  of households indicated monthly earnings of Ksh50,000 and above.

“The vast majority of Kenyan households remain poor, with nearly half of them reporting a total monthly income of less than Ksh20,000/- (46 percent ) At the other end of the spectrum, only one in ten indicate monthly household earnings of Ksh50,000/- and above (10 percent). 

Additionally, the report revealed that  while inflation has dropped significantly, from over 9 percent  three years ago to below 4 percent annually, the cumulative effect over the past three years has eroded purchasing power by nearly 20 percent. 

This means that the value of household incomes has shrunk, leaving many Kenyans struggling to meet basic needs despite stable inflation rates.

To add to that, the report  disclosed that nearly half of Kenyan adults said they are engaged in full-time work, split between 25 percent  in formal employment and 23percent  in self-employment. A further 15 percent reported working part-time.

However, the survey shows that unemployment remains a serious challenge, with 36% of adults saying they are jobless, some actively searching for work while others have given up on the process altogether.

Unemployment in Kenya

This comes a few months after President William Ruto acknowledged unemployment as a longstanding issue in Kenya, which started way before his presidency.

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Speaking at a police housing project in Kilimani Station, Nairobi, on July 11, 2025, President Ruto lashed out at protestors who claimed his government could solve unemployment in Kenya despite them trusting his government to do so.

“Did all the youth have jobs before I was president? There are people who are inciting the youth into burning other people’s property and business places,” he said.

“Let us speak the truth, if people have any problem, they should speak to me. Unemployment has been there since President Jomo Kenyatta. My government is doing the best it can.”