Gender Parity and Age Structure in the Kenyan Savings and Credit Co-Operatives Sub sector

Abstract

This study explores gender parity and social inclusion within the Savings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOS) sector in Kenya, with a focus on the participation of women and youth in areas such as membership, leadership, management, savings, loans uptake, and employment. Gender and youth disparities in economic activities, particularly in cooperative societies, remain persistent, despite constitutional efforts to address these issues. Existing studies have highlighted the underrepresentation of women and youth in skilled roles and leadership positions, often exacerbated by cultural factors in African communities. While some cooperatives are attempting to counteract these biases, the absence of credible, organized data on gender and age structure in the sector hinders effective policy formulation. This study aims to provide crucial data for policy development, by calculating the gender and youth index across various SACCO functions, and examining the education levels of SACCO staff. By establishing a baseline of gender and youth involvement, the research contributes to gender mainstreaming, informed policy-making, and sustainable governance in SACCOS. Ultimately, the findings aim to enhance gender equity and improve sectoral sustainability by providing statistics necessary for targeted interventions and strategic planning in Kenya’s cooperative movement.