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Beyond Education and Occupation: Unpacking the Large Gender Wage Gap in Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Uyanga Byambaa
  • Edward Miguel
  • Michael W. Walker
  • Samuel Zicheng Wang

Abstract

Gender wage gaps persist globally, particularly in poor countries. Using Kenya Life Panel Survey data, we first document a raw gender wage gap of 79 log points (55%). We show it remains large, at 39 log points (32%), even controlling for a novel set of individual characteristics – cognitive performance, personality traits, economic preferences, and job tasks – in addition to standard covariates. These novel factors account for only 20% of the residual gap unexplained by education and occupation. Though most Kenyans report egalitarian gender views, these patterns suggest that barriers still hinder women’s labor outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Uyanga Byambaa & Edward Miguel & Michael W. Walker & Samuel Zicheng Wang, 2025. "Beyond Education and Occupation: Unpacking the Large Gender Wage Gap in Kenya," NBER Working Papers 34375, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34375
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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