A sobering reality has emerged from the latest Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) report, painting a grim picture of widespread poverty across the nation.

An estimated 20 million Kenyans are struggling to meet their basic needs, facing food insecurity and a bleak economic outlook.

The report reveals a staggering 39.8 per cent national poverty headcount rate, signifying that nearly four in ten Kenyans live below the poverty line.

This stark figure underscores the depth of the economic challenges facing the country, with unemployment rates soaring and livelihoods teetering on the brink.

The 2024 Gross County Product report, released on Tuesday, sheds light on the precarious employment landscape.

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While the total working population hovers around 20 million, comprising 10.4 million men and 9.5 million women, the distribution of employment opportunities across the country remains highly uneven.

"Nairobi City has the highest working population, at 2,191,913, reflecting its role as the country’s economic hub," the report states.

Kiambu and Nakuru follow closely, mirroring the concentration of economic activity in urban centres.

Conversely, counties like Lamu, Isiolo, and Samburu, characterized by limited economic diversification and smaller populations, exhibit significantly lower employment figures.

Gender disparities in employment also vary across the country. While some counties, such as Turkana and West Pokot, demonstrate relatively balanced gender representation in the workforce, others, like Wajir and Mandera, exhibit a pronounced male dominance in employment.

"This distribution underscores the diverse economic landscape across the counties, with levels of employment closely tied to factors such as urbanisation, industrialisation, and regional economic activities," the report notes.

The economic landscape is further marked by significant shifts. The report highlights a notable development in 2023, with Nakuru surpassing Kiambu to become Kenya's second-largest county by GDP in nominal terms.

This shift underscores the evolving dynamics of economic growth and development within the country.

The findings of the KNBS report serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in Kenya.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, encompassing job creation initiatives, social safety nets, and sustainable economic development across all regions of the country.