The care economy, comprising paid and unpaid work that sustains families and communities, has remained invisible in our policies. As the country pursues economic recovery, gender equality and inclusive growth, we must recognise that care work is not a private responsibility.
Studies by the International Labour Organization (ILO) show that every one per cent of GDP invested in care services generates 2.4 times more jobs than the same investment in construction. These jobs are predominantly filled by women and young people.
Unpaid care and domestic work in Kenya are capable of up to 12.9 per cent of GDP when valued using the replacement cost method – more than manufacturing or transport. Yet, caregivers remain marginalised and infrastructure is scarce.
Mainstream Kenya’s care economy
