With its growing economy, young population and pivotal role in East Africa, Kenya has great potential to become one of Africa’s leading success stories.

However, the country faces huge challenges in the fight to overcome poverty and inequality.

• Despite steady economic growth, more than half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line, less than one US dollar a day.
• In 2011, the worst drought in 60 years hit East Africa, killing an estimated 50,000 people and leaving 13 million in need of urgent food and water supplies.
• In 2014, the continued drought saw 1.6 million Kenyans in need of emergency food assistance.
• Across East Africa, lack of food and clean water continue to endanger the lives and livelihoods of nearly four million people.

Fast Facts

Population: 46.79 million
Life expectancy: 64 years (62.6 years male, 65.5 years female) (2016 est.)
Infant mortality: 38.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)
Under-5 mortality*: 49 deaths/1,000 live births (2015 est.)
Maternal mortality: 510 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
Adult literacy rate: 78% (81.1% male, 74.9% female) (2015 est.)
Access to improved drinking water:  63.2% (81.6% urban, 56.8% rural)
Access to improved sanitation: 30.1% (31.2% urban, 29.7% rural)
Labour force participation rate^: 73% male, 62% female (2014 est.)
Percentage of seats held by women in national parliament^: 20%
GDP per capita: $3,200 (2015 est.)

Source: CIA World Factbook, *UNICEF, ^World Bank

2015 cholera outbreak

The ongoing cholera outbreak across four counties in Kenya caused 12 deaths. The outbreak was due to a shortage of safe drinking water caused by a dry spell.

CARE, along with other organisations, continues to monitor the situation. We have provided water treatment chemicals and purifiers to help stop the spread of disease.

Providing on-going support

In many of Kenya’s poorest communities, we’re working across a range of areas to provide support for those most affected. In health clinics, community centres and public primary schools, we provide access to clean water supplies, sanitation and hygiene measures, reducing the risk of disease and helping to create a healthy environment for teaching, learning and children’s development.

CARE Kenya is one of the leading humanitarian agencies in the north-east region of Kenya, where persistent drought, erratic rains with flash floods, heightened insecurity and social conflicts are common. We’re working with communities in these regions, particularly women and girls, to help build resilience to the impacts of climate change. We’re helping provide better access to food supplies, and training in hygiene and sanitation to keep water supplies clean and sustainable, and communities healthy.

CARE’s Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) are also helping Kenya’s most vulnerable to efficiently save and invest small amounts of money to grow a new business – money that can then be used to buy food and send children to school.

To help prevent future disasters, we’re helping farmers prepare for changing weather conditions by providing training in drought-resistant crops and adapted farming methods. In partnership with small-scale farmers, we’re also planting trees that provide sustainable food supplies and a sustainable income while limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Donate now

Support our ongoing work to create a more equal world.

Your donation can help end extreme poverty and give people the means to build a better future for themselves in countries like Kenya.

For those living in extreme poverty, your support brings education and training, healthcare and clean water, nutritious food, and new ways to earn an income. And in times of crisis, you help us deliver emergency relief. Please donate today.