Kenya
On the East Coast of Central Africa, Kenya is home to some of the earliest known human remains. The British Empire made Kenya a colony in 1920 and it was only in 1963 that the country gained independence.
Agriculture is the key economic activity, with most families relying on the success of their crops for survival. The extended family is integral to traditional culture. Poverty is widespread in Kenya, especially in the rural areas, with nearly 60% of people living on less than $2 a day and 25% on $1 a day.
Kenya is seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic with an over 2 million people said to be living with the disease. The effect on children is acute, with many losing parents and close family members.
The Kenyan Government’s recent introduction of free primary education for all is undoubtedly a positive measure, but has inevitably put further pressure on the already over-stretched education system. Also due to poverty and child labour it is estimated that 1.7 million children still do not attend school. Plan Kenya continues to work on education projects to help to meet the demand.
Some of the reasons why Plan works in Kenya
- More than one in every eight children die before reaching the age of five
- 30% of all children suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition
- Nearly 70% of all children do not attend secondary school
- Over half the population does not have access to adequate drinking water
Children bear brunt of Kenya crisis
The violence in Kenya is taking its toll on children, with thousands forced to flee their homes. Speaking from refugee camps, which are still continuing to see new admissions, many children have told Plan how they escaped with their lives. |
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Kenyan Government says "Well done"
Plan has won acknowledgment from the government in Kenya for its role in the protection and improvement of water resources in the country |
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Communities give children their right
The Mrima community may be living in one of the driest and poverty stricken districts in Kenya, but it is achieving results that more developed communities cannot compete – birth registration for their new-born children |
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Community decreases HIV/AIDS rates
A youth group in one of Kenya’s poorest communities is proving that learning about HIV can decrease the number of new HIV/AIDS infections. |
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Plan at the G8
Chikondi, a 16 year-old girl from Malawi and Gordon, a 17 year-old boy from Kenya attended the Make Poverty History rally in Edinburgh on Saturday 2nd July, and participated in the C8 - a youth debate on Africa. Earlier this week they met the G8 spouses and told them about their hopes and dreams for the future of Africa
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From women to icons of hope
While the HIV and AIDS epidemic has left many families and communities disintegrated and in poverty, the Helga Women Group, with the support of Plan, is restoring hope to many in Homa Bay, Kenya |
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