Kenya | Nonprofits In Kenya | PWI
About project world impact
Nonprofit Tools
Contact pwi
Help

DISCOVER AND LEARN ABOUT

Kenya

Learn About Kenya

Get Educated About Kenya

Summary

Kenya is a beautiful country in East Africa, known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and diverse ethnic groups. With a population of over 54 million people, Kenya is one of the most populous countries in Africa, and it is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Indian Ocean. Despite facing various challenges, such as corruption and political instability, Kenya has made significant progress in healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The government's efforts to promote investment and entrepreneurship have led to steady economic growth, and Kenya is a leader in the renewable energy sector, with notable projects such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project.

Make a Donation

One Time
Monthly
$
Monthly gifts help nonprofits focus on their mission and longterm impact with helping people world wide.

Kenya Demographics

Demographics

Nationality
Kenyan
Population
44,037,656 (July 2013 est.)
Ethnic Groups
Languages
Religions

Causes in Kenya

Learn more about specific causes in Kenya that you can get involved in.

Environment
Family
Human Rights
Education
Poverty
Religion
Clean Water
Economy
Government
Health
Children
Animals

Environment

Kenya faces numerous environmental challenges that have significant implications for both its natural resources and the well-being of its population. Deforestation, primarily driven by unsustainable logging and clearing of land for agriculture, poses a severe threat to the country's forests and biodiversity. This leads to soil erosion, loss of wildlife habitats, and increased vulnerability to climate change impacts such as flooding and droughts. Additionally, rapid urbanization and industrialization have resulted in pollution of air, water, and soil, affecting both human health and the ecological balance. Insufficient waste management systems contribute to the pollution of water bodies and the proliferation of plastic waste. The degradation of natural resources and ecosystems also affects livelihoods, particularly among rural communities heavily dependent on agriculture and natural resource-based activities. Efforts Read More are being made to address these challenges through sustainable land management practices, reforestation initiatives, conservation programs, and the promotion of renewable energy sources. However, the effective implementation of environmental policies and regulations, along with increased public awareness and participation, is crucial to ensure the long-term preservation of Kenya's natural environment. Show Less

Family

Family-related issues in Kenya encompass a range of challenges that affect individuals and communities. One key issue is the prevalence of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage. These practices perpetuate inequality and violate the rights and well-being of women and girls. Limited access to healthcare and family planning services contributes to high maternal and infant mortality rates. Poverty and food insecurity also pose significant challenges for families, affecting their ability to provide for their basic needs and support their children's well-being. Additionally, the breakdown of traditional family structures due to factors such as urbanization and migration can strain social support systems and impact family dynamics. Efforts to address these issues involve promoting gender equality, Read More raising awareness about the importance of reproductive health and family planning, providing support services for survivors of gender-based violence, and implementing social protection programs to alleviate poverty and improve the well-being of families. Show Less

Human Rights

Kenya faces several challenges concerning human rights, despite efforts made to improve the overall situation. One key issue is the violation of civil liberties and political rights, including restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Journalists, activists, and human rights defenders often face harassment, intimidation, and even violence for their work. Another significant concern is the persistent problem of corruption, which undermines the rule of law and impedes access to justice. Discrimination and marginalization based on ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation remain prevalent, leading to unequal treatment and limited opportunities for vulnerable groups. Additionally, Kenya faces human rights challenges related to security forces' conduct, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and allegations of torture. Violations of the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons are Read More also a concern. The government has taken steps to address these issues, including the establishment of human rights institutions and the enactment of laws to protect marginalized groups. However, more efforts are needed to ensure the effective implementation of these measures, strengthen the rule of law, and promote a culture of respect for human rights in all sectors of society. Show Less

Education

Education in Kenya faces several challenges that hinder the quality and accessibility of learning opportunities. One of the primary issues is inadequate infrastructure and resources, especially in rural areas. Many schools lack proper classrooms, libraries, and learning materials, making it difficult for students to receive a quality education. Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in remote regions, leading to overcrowded classrooms and limited individual attention for students. Another challenge is the high dropout rate, especially among girls, due to factors such as early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and cultural norms that prioritize boys' education. Moreover, disparities exist in access to education between urban and rural areas, with rural communities facing more significant barriers to educational opportunities. Limited funding for education also poses a Read More challenge, affecting the availability of resources, teacher training, and infrastructure development. Efforts are being made to address these issues through government initiatives, community involvement, and international support to improve infrastructure, increase teacher training, and enhance access to education, particularly for marginalized communities. However, sustained investment, policy reforms, and community engagement are crucial to ensuring equitable and quality education for all children in Kenya. Show Less

Poverty

Poverty is a significant issue in Kenya, with a large proportion of the population living below the poverty line. The high levels of poverty are rooted in various interconnected factors, including limited access to quality education, inadequate healthcare services, unemployment, and income inequality. Rural areas bear the brunt of poverty, where a majority of the population relies on subsistence farming and faces challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, land degradation, and limited access to markets. The poverty situation is further exacerbated by factors such as corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and limited opportunities for economic growth and diversification. The effects of poverty are particularly felt by vulnerable groups, including women, children, and marginalized communities, who often lack access to basic services and face social exclusion. Efforts to Read More address poverty in Kenya involve initiatives such as social protection programs, investment in agriculture and rural development, promotion of entrepreneurship and job creation, and targeted interventions to improve access to education and healthcare. However, tackling poverty requires a comprehensive and sustained approach, encompassing economic reforms, social policies, and effective governance to uplift communities and ensure a more inclusive and equitable society. Show Less

Religion

Religion in Kenya is characterized by a diverse and vibrant landscape, with Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions being the major faiths. While religious freedom is guaranteed by the Kenyan constitution, there are some issues related to religion that warrant attention. Interreligious tensions and occasional conflicts have emerged in certain regions, particularly in areas where different religious communities coexist. These conflicts can arise due to various factors, including competition for resources, political disputes, and socio-economic disparities. In some cases, religious institutions and leaders have been involved in promoting divisive ideologies or inciting violence. Additionally, there have been instances of discrimination and marginalization of religious minorities, with limited access to public resources and services. The government of Kenya has taken steps to promote interfaith dialogue, religious Read More tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, but sustained efforts are necessary to address these challenges and foster a climate of respect, understanding, and religious harmony in the country. Show Less

Clean Water

Access to clean water remains a significant challenge in many parts of Kenya. A considerable portion of the population, particularly those living in rural areas and informal settlements, lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities. This poses significant health risks, as contaminated water sources contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. Women and children often bear the burden of water collection, walking long distances to fetch water from unreliable sources, which further hampers their ability to pursue education and other productive activities. Climate change and recurring droughts exacerbate the water scarcity issue, leading to water rationing and reduced agricultural productivity. Despite efforts by the government and non-governmental organizations to improve water infrastructure and access, challenges such Read More as inadequate funding, aging infrastructure, and a growing population pose hurdles in achieving universal access to clean water. Addressing the clean water crisis in Kenya requires sustainable investments in water infrastructure, innovative water management strategies, community empowerment, and the implementation of effective water conservation measures. Show Less

Economy

Kenya faces various challenges in its economy that impact its overall development and well-being of its population. One of the key issues is high levels of unemployment, particularly among the youth, which hampers economic growth and contributes to social instability. The informal sector also plays a significant role in the economy, but it faces issues such as limited access to credit, lack of formalization, and vulnerability to shocks. Additionally, income inequality remains a persistent problem, with a significant wealth gap between the rich and the poor, as well as disparities between urban and rural areas. Insufficient infrastructure, including inadequate transportation networks and limited access to electricity, further constrains economic productivity and investment opportunities. Moreover, the country's reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes it susceptible to climate Read More change and related challenges, including droughts and food insecurity. Addressing these economic issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes diversifying the economy, promoting job creation, enhancing skills development, improving infrastructure, and fostering an enabling environment for businesses and investments. Show Less

Government

The government of Kenya faces various challenges that impact its effectiveness and the overall governance of the country. One major issue is political instability, marked by occasional violence during elections and ethnic tensions that can disrupt the functioning of the government and create a climate of uncertainty. In addition, limited access to justice and a backlog of court cases undermine the rule of law and citizens' ability to seek redress. Other concerns include inadequate provision of basic services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, particularly in marginalized regions. Strengthening governance in Kenya requires robust measures to combat corruption, promote political stability, enhance the rule of law, ensure equitable provision of public services, and foster citizen participation in decision-making processes.

Health

Health issues in Kenya pose significant challenges to the well-being of its population. One of the major concerns is the high burden of communicable diseases, including malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and respiratory infections. These diseases contribute to a significant number of illnesses and deaths, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. Limited access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas, exacerbates the problem. Many people face barriers such as long distances to healthcare facilities, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. This leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, reducing the effectiveness of interventions and increasing the risk of complications. Additionally, malnutrition is a prevalent issue, especially among children, resulting from inadequate access to nutritious food and proper healthcare. Maternal and child health remains a concern, with Read More high maternal and infant mortality rates due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, limited access to antenatal care, and insufficient skilled birth attendants. Addressing these health challenges requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, increasing access to quality healthcare services, promoting preventive measures, improving healthcare workforce capacity, and strengthening healthcare systems at all levels. Show Less

Children

Children in Kenya face various challenges that impact their well-being and development. One significant issue is the high prevalence of poverty, which affects access to basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and education. Many children in Kenya live in poverty, lacking adequate nutrition and facing the risk of malnutrition and stunted growth. Limited access to quality education is another concern, with barriers including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient resources, and a shortage of qualified teachers. Child labor is also prevalent, as some children are forced into work at a young age to contribute to their families' income, which compromises their education and exposes them to exploitation and hazardous conditions. Moreover, access to healthcare services can be limited in some regions, leading to inadequate healthcare for children and Read More high rates of preventable diseases. Child marriage and early pregnancies also persist, particularly in rural areas, denying children their rights to education and placing them at higher risk of health complications. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes poverty alleviation, improving access to quality education and healthcare, protecting children from exploitation, and raising awareness about children's rights. Efforts from the government, civil society, and international organizations are crucial to ensuring a brighter future for the children of Kenya. Show Less

Animals

Animals in Kenya face several pressing issues that demand attention and concerted efforts to address. One significant concern is poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, particularly targeting iconic species such as elephants and rhinoceroses. Poachers seek to profit from the demand for ivory and horn, resulting in a devastating impact on these populations. Habitat loss and degradation are also critical issues, driven by factors such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. As natural habitats diminish, species like lions, giraffes, and cheetahs face increased vulnerability and conflict with humans. Additionally, human-wildlife conflict is a significant challenge, as communities living near wildlife reserves often encounter challenges related to crop damage and livestock predation. Effective measures to combat poaching, promote sustainable land use, and implement community-based conservation Read More initiatives are essential to ensure the long-term survival and well-being of animals in Kenya. Show Less
Kenya

Kenya News

Check out the latest news and articles about Kenya.

Loading...

Capture.
Share.
Impact.

Share about your experience with Kenya for the world to see.

PWI STORYTELLER

SHARE YOUR STORY NOW

PWI SWIPE

Give your spare change automatically to help Kenya.

Create a SWIPE ACCOUNT

Swipe.
Give.
Impact.

Connect your card today to start giving your spare change.

Start.
Search.
Give.

The easiest way to make a real difference for Kenya.

PWI SEARCH

Download our browser extension and make every tab you open and ever web search you make will raise money for Kenya.

DOWNLOAD NOW

PWI GROUPGIVE

Create your very own campaign to help raise money for Kenya.

Create a GroupGive Campaign

Create.
Promote.
Grow.

What will you do for Kenya? Start your fundraiser today and make an impact.

PWI
Help