Invisible Labor — Gender Dynamics in Kenya’s Informal Construction Economy

Across Kenya’s expanding urban landscape, construction is constant. But behind the scaffolding and cement mixers lies another economy—informal food vendors serving workers on site. Women who hawk uji at mijengo play a vital role in sustaining the labor force. Yet, their interactions with male clients can be shaped by unequal power dynamics.

1. Economic Vulnerability

Most uji hawkers operate without licenses, contracts, or legal protections. Their income depends entirely on daily sales. When disagreements arise with male clients—whether about price, portion size, or credit—women may feel disadvantaged because they lack formal mechanisms for dispute resolution.

2. Gender Stereotypes

Some clients may view food vending as “women’s work,” which can lead to undervaluing the labor involved. Preparing uji requires waking before dawn, buying ingredients, cooking safely, and transporting heavy containers. When the work is trivialized, it can affect how vendors are treated and respected.

3. Negotiating Boundaries

Working in close proximity to groups of men requires constant boundary-setting. Women vendors often develop strategies—keeping conversations strictly business, working in pairs, or positioning themselves near trusted workers—to reduce discomfort.

In large urban centers like Eldoret, where construction has surged in recent years, these informal coping mechanisms become part of daily survival.

4. Social Judgment

Ironically, while some women face uncomfortable behavior at work, they may also encounter social judgment outside it. Operating in male-dominated spaces can expose them to gossip or assumptions about their character. This dual pressure—managing clients at work and perceptions at home—adds emotional strain.

5. Limited Support Systems

Unlike formal workplaces, construction sites rarely have structured complaint channels. Informal vendors are not employees of contractors, which means they operate independently without official backing. If a serious conflict arises, their only option may be to leave that site entirely—losing a customer base they worked hard to build.

Resilience in the Face of Challenge

Despite these obstacles, many women continue hawking uji because it provides flexible income and low startup costs. Some build strong, respectful relationships with regular clients and establish reputations for quality and reliability.

Their stories reveal the broader realities of Kenya’s informal economy—where gender, survival, and entrepreneurship intersect daily. Recognizing these challenges is a step toward safer, more equitable working environments for all.