A Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) analysis of household assets between 2005 and 2016 shows declining ownership of traditional items like dining tables and CD players, while modern appliances such as gas cookers and sofa sets gain prominence, according to a 2020 report.
2015 Data Shows Shifting Ownership ¶
Dining table ownership declined from 23.3% in 2005 to 16.7% by 2015, while sofa set ownership rose from 47.6% to 56.5%. CD player ownership dropped sharply from 24.2% to 10.1% during the same period, reflecting changing consumer preferences.
Gas Cooker Adoption Driven by Cost Reductions ¶
The report attributes increased gas cooker ownership—from 6.3% in 2005 to 18.9% by 2016—to falling prices. A 2005 study by Akinyi Elizabeth Joan, titled Demand for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Kenya: 1971–2005, documented how mass production reduced costs, with two-burner models dropping from Sh4,595–Sh6,975 to under Sh2,000 by 2016.
Welfare Disparities Persist ¶
While the average number of household assets increased from six to seven between 2005 and 2016, 10% of households lacked beds and mattresses, and 2% lacked basic kitchen tools. Only 1% owned 15 of the 17 analyzed assets, highlighting persistent inequality.
The KNBS report emphasizes that asset ownership correlates with economic well-being, noting that households with more assets tend to be better off. However, disparities remain despite technological advancements and improved purchasing power.
