Discussion Paper No.130 of 2012 on Job Search in Developing Countries: Empirical Evidence from Kenya

Abstract

This study considers empirical evidence concerning job search behaviour of non-working individuals in Kenya. The study uses data from a nationally representative Labour Force Survey and discrete choice models to analyse two components of the search activity: the decision to engage in job search and choice of job search method. We find that the incidence of job search among non-working individuals is low. Among active job seekers, the largest proportion used informal job search channels. Formal job search methods such as employment offices are not widely used. Both the decision to engage in job search and the decision on the channel to use are affected by the distribution of demographic variables, human capital variables, and spatial characteristics. Public policy would find this information useful in designing and implementing policies and programmes for job search infrastructure development as part of measures to address unemployment and equality of opportunity in Kenya.