New Survey Shows Age and Marriage Shape Kenya Women Economic Empowerment

The latest Economic Survey 2026 from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals that Kenyan women in monogamous marriages experience higher levels of economic empowerment than those in cohabiting or polygamous unions.

Drawing from the Women’s Economic Empowerment Index (WEEI), the report shows that 41.1 percent of women in monogamous marriages reach the empowerment threshold, while those living together as a couple follow at 37.6 percent.

In contrast, women in polygamous marriages recorded a lower empowerment level of 27.2 percent. The survey found the lowest levels among women who are separated, divorced, or widowed, at just 19.3 percent. KNBS attributes this specific decline to the financial and social hardships that often follow the end of a marriage.

To measure these figures, KNBS built the WEEI around three fundamental pillars. These include resources, which cover access to assets and financial services; agency, focusing on a woman’s ability to make independent life decisions; and achievements, which track actual outcomes like economic independence and overall well-being.

Age plays a significant role in these empowerment metrics, with women in their prime working years, aged 35–59, recording the highest levels at 44.4 percent. They are followed by the 25–34 age group at 38.8 percent. Empowerment figures dip significantly for younger women aged 18–24, who stand at 20.7 percent, while women aged 60 and above show a slight increase to 27.0 percent.

Regional data highlights striking disparities across the country. Migori leads with the highest proportion of economically empowered women at 58.1 percent, closely followed by Nyandarua at 58.0 percent and Siaya at 56.4 percent. Other top-performing counties include Kiambu, Bomet, Kirinyaga, Machakos, and Laikipia, all of which maintain…