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Gendered Analysis of the Effect of Displacement on Labor Market Outcomes: A Focus on Nairobi County, Kenya

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  • Celina Katunda Mutie

    (Department of Applied Economics, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

  • John Njenga Macharia

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

Abstract

This study investigates how socio-economic characteristics, migration status, and country of origin influence labor market outcomes in Nairobi County, Kenya. By estimating logit and Tobit models using data from the Kenya Refugee and Host Household Survey (KRHHS), we find that age is positively associated with the likelihood of being employed and higher incomes, but this relationship diminishes beyond a certain point. Gender disparities are pronounced, with women being less likely to be employed and generally earning less than men. Larger households are associated with lower employment probabilities, reflecting greater domestic responsibilities for household heads. Local community members are more likely to be employed and earn more than refugees, who face substantial labor market barriers such as legal restrictions and lack of social networks. Having a university education is associated with being employed with higher earnings, compared to workers with either primary or secondary education. Having never been married is positively associated with being employed. Employment and income vary significantly by country of origin, highlighting the complex interplay between integration and discrimination factors in local communities. These findings underscore the need to address educational and gender inequalities that prevail between refugees and local communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Celina Katunda Mutie & John Njenga Macharia, 2025. "Gendered Analysis of the Effect of Displacement on Labor Market Outcomes: A Focus on Nairobi County, Kenya," Economies, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-22, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:13:y:2025:i:2:p:51-:d:1591180
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Barry Chiswick & Paul Miller, 2010. "Occupational language requirements and the value of English in the US labor market," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 23(1), pages 353-372, January.
    2. Nakamura, Shohei & Avner, Paolo, 2021. "Spatial distributions of job accessibility, housing rents, and poverty: The case of Nairobi," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    3. Bernadette Mukhwana Wanjala & Maureen Were, 2009. "Gender Disparities and Economic Growth in Kenya: A Social Accounting Matrix Approach," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(3), pages 227-251.
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