KENYA
A Country Trying to Keep Up With Growth
Kenya is experiencing rapid economic and population growth, but it’s struggling to ensure that everyone gets equitable access to resources, especially food security.
While Kenya has a growing lower-middle class, many others are still left behind, especially in rural areas. Climate shocks, agricultural challenges, and inefficient food systems prevent people from getting adequate, nutritious food.
of the population lives under the poverty line
of the land is arid
of children in rural areas are stunted
Left Behind in growth
Kenya, a lower-middle-income economy is transforming rapidly. However, social and economic inequalities persist. More than one third of Kenyans live below the poverty line. Rapid population growth, climate change, underperforming food systems and gender inequalities are the most significant challenges to food security in the country. Access to enough nutritious food remains a challenge for many, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions which make up 80% of the country’s land area. The arid climate means the country’s main economic driver of agriculture is highly dependent on seasonal rainfall.
Kenya hosts 500,000 refugees, mainly in camps located in remote, food-insecure counties. Unable to work or move freely, refugees are highly dependent on international assistance.
WFP’s Work in Kenya
WFP has been present in Kenya since 1980. The U.N. agency is shifting from delivering services to developing national capacity in addressing longer-term hunger and nutrition issues. WFP focuses on:
WFP provides refugees living in Kenyan camps with food and nutrition assistance through cash and food transfers. WFP also invests in programs like income diversification that boost refugees’ self-reliance.
WFP supports small-scale farmers in accessing markets, agricultural inputs, credit and and technologies – all of which creates further income earning opportunities.
WFP works to ensure that government, humanitarian and development partners can benefit from effective and cost-efficient logistics services to improve the delivery of relief to refugees.
Zero Hunger in Kenya
Watch this interview with WFPUSA staff and WFP staff in Kenya.
Help Save Lives by Sending Food
You can help deliver food to vulnerable populations in Bolivia and other countries by donating to WFP.
What’s Happening in Kenya?
Read the latest news updates and stories from Kenya.
