Internal migration, formal sector employment and social security for old age in Kenya

Abstract

The literature on the relationship between social policies and the lives of migrants is dominated by a focus on transnational migration. This contribution is dedicated to the less discussed topic of internal migration and the example of old-age provision in Kenya. Since its inception in the colonial period, formal employment has been closely linked to internal migration, but also to land purchase and house building in the region of origin. Initially thought of as temporary, formal employment was later sought permanently, and it benefits from state instruments of old-age provision. However, not even the monthly pension of privileged occupational groups is sufficient. In some cases, retirement is accompanied by a return internal migration, for example to pursue income-generating activities more intensively or to reduce the cost of living. However, a growing and ageing society can afford less and less to rely on solutions based on land ownership.