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Incomes, Inequality, and Poverty in Kenya: A Long-Term Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Arne Bigsten
  • Damiano Kulundu Manda
  • Germano Mwabu
  • Anthony Wambugu

Abstract

This paper seeks to measure and explain changes in incomes, inequality, and poverty in Kenya. It starts from a very long-term perspective covering the last century, but then focuses on a more detailed analysis of the recent period for which data from household surveys are available. We seek to provide consistent estimates of what has happened to national income, inequality and poverty over time, and to explain why they evolved in the way they did. We relate changes in inequality and poverty to changes in factor endowments and changes in economic and employment structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Arne Bigsten & Damiano Kulundu Manda & Germano Mwabu & Anthony Wambugu, 2014. "Incomes, Inequality, and Poverty in Kenya: A Long-Term Perspective," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2014-126, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2014-126
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Arne Bigsten & Dick Durevall, 2008. "Factor Proportions, Openness and Factor Prices in Kenya 1965-2000," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(2), pages 289-310.
    2. Bigsten, Arne, 1986. "Welfare and economic growth in Kenya, 1914-76," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 14(9), pages 1151-1160, September.
    3. Adam, Christopher & Collier, Paul & Ndung'u, Njuguna (ed.), 2010. "Kenya: Policies for Prosperity," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199602377.
    4. Bigsten, Arne & Durevall, Dick, 2006. "Openness and wage inequality in Kenya, 1964-2000," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 465-480, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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