More than 89,000 workers in the education sector earned more than KSh 100,000 per month in 2023, compared to 81,000 workers in 2022 – according to the latest data from KNBS.
- •This 9.8% increase in high wage earners shows that schools and higher learning institutions retain their dominance as key employers in the country.
- •Earnings in the sector were highest in Kenya in 2023, standing at KSh 564.5 billion compared to KSh 539.6 billion in 2022.
- •Over 300,000 workers in the sector earned between KSh 50,000 – 99,000 in 2023, growing from 290,000 workers in 2022, outpacing other sectors by a mile.
- •According to the bureau, earnings cover all cash payments, including basic salary, cost of living allowances, profit bonus, together with the value of rations and free board, and an estimate of the employer’s contribution towards housing.
The Real Estate sector and Extraterritorial organisations had the lowest number of employees earning over KSh 100,000, with those figures in 2023 standing at 354 and 389 respectively.
However, this is due to the scarcity of these jobs and the professional requirements needed to attain them. Only a few or none of the employees in these sectors earn less than KSh 50,000 every month.
The Agriculture sector had the highest number of individuals earning wages below KSh 10,000 in 2023, registering over 4,700 individuals under this bracket. This number increased marginally from 2022 and 2021 figures. The sector was the highest employer in 2021, but in 2022 and 2023, it was overtaken by the manufacturing sector.
Support activities for crop production garnered the highest earnings in the agriculture sector recording over KSh 40 billion in 2023. The Tea sector came second with KSh 25.75 billion, followed by the coffee sector with KSh 18.8 billion. Total earnings in the Agriculture sector stood at over KSh 145 billion in 2023 from KSh 138.97 billion in 2022.
Over 218,000 employees in the manufacturing sector earned more than KSh 50,000 in 2023, a slight 2.8% growth from 2022. Those earning between KSh 50,000 – 99,000 formed the bulk of the earnings in this sector. Total earnings in this sector hit KSh 242.8 billion in 2023 increasing from KSh 228.2 billion in 2022.
In the financial sector, banks and other monetary intermediators led with earnings of KSh 110.8 billion in 2023, compared to other mini-sectors like insurance with KSh 37.7 billion, and unit trusts with KSh 7.1 billion. Total earnings in the sector stood at KSh 189.5 billion in 2023 compared to KSh 176.4 billion in 2024. The sector employed over 83,000 individuals last year.
Other sectors that employed many Kenyans in 2023 included the construction industry, wholesale and retail trade, and public administration and defence.