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