Kenya

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The Facts

  • The population is 38.6 million
  • Average life expectancy is 55.6 years
  • 1 in 8 children dies before they reach their 5th birthday
  • 43% of people do not have access to clean, safe water

Kenya has a diverse landscape and is one of the largest countries in Africa. Its economy has been in decline for several years due to high inflation, a weakened local currency and reduced income from coffee and tea, the main export earners. Political instability has damaged Kenya’s once highly profitable tourist industry while unreliable rainy seasons bring the risk of drought and food shortages. These problems are nationwide but they affect the poorest people the most.

ActionAid in Kenya

ActionAid International has been operating in Kenya since 1974 and now works with over one million people there.

ActionAid Ireland supports a women’s rights programme in Kenya that began in 2006. The main focus of the programme is to reduce the incidence of violence against women and girls at community level. Programme staff work with community groups, traditional and religious leaders, schools and local authorities to achieve this end. The programme also works to facilitate increased access to information and services for women living with HIV and AIDS and reduced stigma and discrimination.

ActionAid International’s programmes in Kenya are in the areas of livelihoods, water, health and education.

Related research and publications

Kenya country report (PDF)