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Read the instructions for this self-checked activity. Type in your response to each question, and check your answers. At the end of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work.
Activity
Examine the population pyramid of Kenya and answer the questions.

a graph showing the male and female population of Kenya in 2010 based on age

Part A
What were the four largest age groups, both male and female, in Kenya in 2010? What was the total population of these age groups?

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Part B
Assuming that most of the workforce is between the ages of 20 and 64, approximately how many people were in the workforce in Kenya in 2010?

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There were about 18 million people of working age in Kenya in 2010.
Part C
Looking at your answers from parts A and B, what conclusions can you draw about the economic situation in countries such as Kenya?

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Part D
Question
Using the drawing tool, draw a shape based on the age ranges in the diagram that would provide a bigger workforce and a stronger, more sustainable economy.

a graph showing the male and female population of Kenya in 2010 based on age

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Explanation:

The drawing should make it clear that for a stronger and a more sustainable economy, the workforce number will have to be greater than the number of dependents. In an ideal situation, the population between age groups 20 to 64 is highest, at around 3.5 million. On the other hand, the population between age groups zero to 19 and 65 to 100 should be lower, at around 1 million. This structure will create a shape of semicircles at both sides (males and females).

Self-Evaluation
How did you do? Rate your work on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as the highest score. Then write a brief evaluation of your work. Note what you learned and what challenged you.

1 answer

Part A
The four largest age groups in Kenya in 2010 were:

  1. Ages 0-4
  2. Ages 5-9
  3. Ages 10-14
  4. Ages 15-19

The total population of these age groups can vary depending on the exact figures from the population pyramid, but assuming approximate numbers:

  • Ages 0-4: about 4 million
  • Ages 5-9: about 4 million
  • Ages 10-14: about 4 million
  • Ages 15-19: about 4 million

Total: Around 16 million for these four age groups.

Part B
Assuming that most of the workforce is between the ages of 20 and 64, approximately how many people were in the workforce in Kenya in 2010?
There were about 18 million people of working age in Kenya in 2010.

Part C
The economic situation in countries like Kenya can be influenced significantly by the age distribution of the population. A high number of dependents (children and elderly) relative to the working-age population indicates a potential economic strain. When a large portion of the population is younger (ages 0-19), it suggests that there may be a future increase in the workforce, but currently, there may be challenges in supporting the large youth population. The relatively high number of working-age individuals (18 million) is positive, as this group contributes to the economy, but it is essential to develop initiatives for job creation and skill development to ensure they can be effectively utilized in the workforce.

Part D
For a stronger and more sustainable economy, it is important to restructure the age distribution. The drawing could show a shape that indicates a higher number of working-age individuals (20-64) as the base, tapering off significantly for both younger (0-19) and older (65+) populations. Ideally, aiming for a more balanced age distribution with a robust workforce will help to reduce economic dependency and support sustainable growth.

Self-Evaluation
I would rate my work a 4 out of 5. I found the evaluation of the age groups and their implications straightforward, but estimating exact figures based on the population pyramid required careful consideration. I learned about the critical impact of population structure on economic sustainability and the importance of a strong workforce in developing countries. The challenge for me was interpreting the population pyramid accurately and understanding how each age group can affect economic policies. Overall, this exercise has broadened my perspective on demographic trends and their implications on a country's economy.