Kenya Poverty Assessment 2023: List Of 8 Poorest Counties In Kenya

• Data from the "Kenya Poverty and Equity Assessment 2023" shows that the benefits of economic progress are not evenly distributed across counties in Kenya
• The poorest counties in Kenya have a 60-100% poverty rate, and they are all in the counties covering arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL)
• Limited access to crucial services, including water, sanitation, and education, exacerbates the economic difficulties faced by residents in ASAL counties

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of expertise in financial, business, and technology research, providing insights into both Kenyan and global economic trends.

The "Kenya Poverty and Equity Assessment 2023" report by the World Bank has revealed counties with the highest number of poor people.

According to the report, which analysed data from 2005 to 2022, Kenya has experienced robust economic growth in GDP, but the benefits of economic progress have not been evenly distributed.

Certain regions face higher poverty rates and limited access to essential services; in particular, the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) grapple with higher poverty rates compared to the more affluent urban areas.

Why ASAL counties are poor

Limited access to crucial services, including water, sanitation, and education, exacerbates the economic difficulties faced by residents in ASAL counties.

Lack of infrastructure and basic amenities perpetuates a cycle of poverty, hindering the potential for upward mobility and economic advancement.

The report emphasises the need to address the structural issues that trap individuals in low-income occupations, advocating for measures that promote skill development and sustainable livelihoods.

Most poor counties in Kenya

The poorest counties in Kenya have a 60-100% poverty rate, and they are all in the ASAL.

According to the Kenya Poverty Assessment 2023 Infographic and statistics from KNBS, they include:

1. Turkana 77.7%

2. Mandera 71.9%

3. Garissa 68.3%

4. Tana River 67.8%

5. Wajir 66.3%

6. Samburu 66.2%

7. Marsabit 65.9%

8. West Pokot 61.4%

Counties with the lowest poverty rate:

1. Nairobi 16.5%

2. Kirinyaga 19.3%

3. Kiambu 20.5%

4. Narok 21.9%

5. Meru 26.3%

6. Nyeri 26.4%

7. Homa Bay 26.6%

8. Murang'a 26.7%

9. Tharaka 28.1%

10. Embu 28.7%

Eighty per cent of employed Kenyans are still in poverty

Recent statistics from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have shown that 80% of employed Kenyans are grappling with poverty because their wages cannot cover basic necessities.

ILO's latest data on working poverty reveals distressing metrics as 26% of working Kenyans are categorised as extremely poor.

The data further reveals that 29% and 25% are classified as moderately poor and near poor, respectively, bringing the total percentage of Kenyans working but poor to 80%.