Kenya Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
Kenya's unemployment rate was 5.45% in December 2025, down from 5.49% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 5.49%.
Kenya's unemployment rate stands at 5.45% as of December 2025. Over the latest readings, the unemployment rate has moved within a band of 2.64% to 5.69%. The most recent figure of 5.45% is down from 5.49% a year earlier, and is 0.04% lower than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 226 economies tracked on this platform, Kenya ranks #108 on unemployment rate by latest value. It fell from 5.49% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 5.49%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 5.45% |
| Dec 2024 | 5.49% |
| Dec 2023 | 5.41% |
| Dec 2022 | 5.57% |
| Dec 2021 | 5.69% |
| Dec 2020 | 5.61% |
| Dec 2019 | 5.01% |
| Dec 2018 | 4.28% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in Kenya in 2026?
Kenya's unemployment rate was 5.45% in December 2025, down from 5.49% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 5.49%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in Kenya?
It fell in the latest reading — 5.45% in December 2025 versus 5.49% a year earlier. Year on year it is lower.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.