The Western Province of Kenya, a few kilometres from the Equator, is beautiful, fertile, and desperately poor. Most of the population lives by subsistence farming which cannot provide enough food for the average families. Over 60% of the population is unemployed.
Country overview
Kenya has a rich history and landscape, making it one of the most visited and well-known countries in Africa. Its ethnic diversity and stability in a region that struggles with conflict has led it to become a regional mediator for neighboring countries such as Sudan and Somalia. Kenya has also become known as a haven for refugees fleeing nearby conflicts.
In spite of Kenya's many strengths, it will face challenges in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals by 2015. A recent study concluded that achieving these health and poverty reduction targets would cost Kenya nearly US$61 billion. In contrast, its foreign aid is less than $1 billion per year. Although Kenya has a larger middle class than its neighboring countries, around 46 percent of Kenya's 38 million people live in poverty, and 20 percent live in extreme poverty. Much of Kenya's territory is arid or semi-arid, making it difficult to become self-sufficient in food production. Cycles of severe floods and droughts also impact its food security.
Over half of Kenya's population is under 15 years of age. This high dependency ratio puts tremendous strain on the country's health care and educational programs. Additionally, child and infant mortality have increased steadily in the last 15 years.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has also had a devastating effect, reducing life expectancy to only 52 years. On an encouraging note, the prevalence of the virus has halved from its rate in the late 1990s to 5.1 percent due to greater public awareness and free antiretroviral drug therapy treatment.
In spite of Kenya's many strengths, it will face challenges in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals by 2015. A recent study concluded that achieving these health and poverty reduction targets would cost Kenya nearly US$61 billion. In contrast, its foreign aid is less than $1 billion per year. Although Kenya has a larger middle class than its neighboring countries, around 46 percent of Kenya's 38 million people live in poverty, and 20 percent live in extreme poverty. Much of Kenya's territory is arid or semi-arid, making it difficult to become self-sufficient in food production. Cycles of severe floods and droughts also impact its food security.
Over half of Kenya's population is under 15 years of age. This high dependency ratio puts tremendous strain on the country's health care and educational programs. Additionally, child and infant mortality have increased steadily in the last 15 years.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has also had a devastating effect, reducing life expectancy to only 52 years. On an encouraging note, the prevalence of the virus has halved from its rate in the late 1990s to 5.1 percent due to greater public awareness and free antiretroviral drug therapy treatment.
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