Non-inclusion of Informal Work and Housework in GDP Determination in Kenya

Abstract

Women’s informal work has not been recognised in the gross domestic product in any country. When economic growth is measured, the contribution of women’s informal work is usually not accounted for despite being vital in the growth and development of an economy. Moreover, the women engage in informal work that is difficult to measure. For instance, most women work in the agricultural sector, which limits their advancement due to a lack of ownership which translates to a lack of access to credits and agricultural inputs due to gender inequalities. The jobs women do in society starting from home are usually not attached to an economic value since the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measurement is done in monetary value. The
contribution of women’s informal work cannot be ignored if a country is determined to use all the resources for steady and optimu m growth and development. Over the last two decades, economic growth and development have been rising even without this recognition; hence it would be more than the current records. Guided by the theory of change, this paper uses the employment data and GDP from the year 2000 to 2022 and analyses the contribution of women’s informal work to the GDP within this period; recommends the appropriate measures to enhance the inclusivity of women’s informal work to the growth and development and a country in line with sustainable development goal number eight, on decent work and economic growth.