The effect of economic crisis on youth precariousness in Nairobi. An analysis of itinerary to adulthood of three generations of men and women

Abstract

Since the pioneer analysis of the labour market by the ILO team in the early 1970s, the NUrIP, which collected about 1,600 biographies among a sample of the Nairobi adult population, is the first to provide for a comprehensive view of the social, demographic and employment situation of Nairobi. The analyses draw a picture of surprising stability of the process of entry into adult life in Nairobi. The timing of events remains the same and most of the delay experienced by the younger generation can be attributed to the economic crisis of the 90s. The city of Nairobi is first and foremost the main formal labour market in Kenya. This characteristic that traces back into colonial time vastly influences the model of circular migration between the hinterland and the city and also the household and family formation. Whereas employment is clearly the key to entry into adult life for men, it plays a marginal role for women. That might explain why the Nairobi labour market reacted to the economic crisis of the 90s by rejecting females. Gender differences are more striking than differences by generation or by social or geographical origin. Discrimination against women on the Nairobi labour market should be seriously considered as an explanation for their declining labour participation. 1