Wage earners

The informal sector activities are common in the county. The sector is engaged in activities like jembe making, repair and metal fabrication as well as furniture making in Suneka in Kisii South district. The sale of second hand clothes has spread throughout the county and it is employing a substantial number of people. This sector has more potential for development and has ready market for its product given the high population in the county. Banks and insurance companies, besides the government departments provide employment in the formal sector in the county.

 Self-employed

 The majority of the youths in the county are unemployed and therefore there is need to encourage them form youth groups and link them to financial institutions for credit facilities to enable them access funds to either start or expand their boda  businesses in order to reduce crime rates.

 Labour Force

Based on the 2009 population and housing census, the projected labour force in 2012 in the county is 695,024 representing 56.5 of the total population.  The males are 318,510 while the females are slightly higher at 376,513.  Most of the labour force is unskilled with only a small percentage engaged in formal employment.  It is estimated that only 46% of the total labour force is literate implying that only a relatively small population can be absorbed into the formal employment.  There is therefore need for the youth to enroll into vocational training institutions so as to enhance their skills in various areas in both the formal and informal sectors.

Unemployment Levels

The unemployment level in Kisii County is estimated at about 61% of which the majorities are the youths. Hence, there is need to link them to financial institutions to enable them start small scales businesses themselves and encourage them to get vocational trainings in government subsidized youth polytechnics.