The Impact of Export Processing Zone Development on Employment Creation in Kenya

This paper examines the contribution of Export Processing Zones (EPZ) to employment creation in Kenya. The results suggest that employees in non-EPZ businesses are better paid than those in the EPZ. Firms in the EPZ employ more women than the Kenyan national average, although the proportion is less than the international average amongst EPZs. Against the general fear that EPZ enterprises offer little employment, the number of employees in the EPZ enterprises are comparable to those found outside as are working hours. A weak trade union movement, inefficient and inadequate social security, lack of employment benefits, lack of opportunities for training and promotion and low pay are problems encountered by those working in an EPZ.