Kenya

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Kenya)

The Republic of Kenya is located in East Africa and has a population of over 48 million. With its abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes, the tourism industry has become an important source of income for the country and it has experienced economic growth over the years. Nevertheless, poverty is still a reality for many people. Millions of Kenyans are undernourished as floods and droughts make it difficult to get food. Furthermore, HIV/AIDS and other diseases continues to be a major challenge for the country.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Kenya since 1971.

Children are at risk

Over 40% of Kenya’s population is below the age of 15. Millions of people, the majority of them children and young people, are unable to meet their daily calorie requirements. This often diminishes physical development among children. Furthermore, many children are affected by HIV/AIDS. Although Kenya has made tremendous progress in this regard, many children are either infected themselves, or have lost their parents to the disease. Access to education also remains an issue in the country, as more than 1 million primary school age children do not attend school
26%
Of Kenyan children do not grow properly

Undernourishment

Kenya has made significant progress in reducing stunting - a condition with devastating effects, including diminished brain and physical development. However, getting enough food remains a major challenge, especially for communities affected by recurring drought and poverty. In fact, 26% of children under five experience growth issues due to undernourishment.

11 in 100
Babies born to mothers with HIV are infected in Kenya

Health

Kenya’s HIV prevalence has reduced to under 5% over the years. Nevertheless, the virus remains an issue. Women in the country are disproportionately affected and around 11 in 100 babies born to mothers living with HIV are infected. Currently, over 100 000 children under 15 are infected. Many others have lost, or are at risk of losing, their parents to the disease. These children are particularly vulnerable to poverty and lack of education and often struggle to eat regular healthy meals.

1.2M
Kenyan children of primary-school-age do not go to school

Access to education

Kenya has taken significant steps towards increasing access to education, due to free primary and day secondary education. Despite the overall progress, many children from marginalized groups do not go to school. The hardest to reach include children with disabilities, children living in nomadic communities and in urban informal settlements. Girls are also disadvantaged when it comes to education. In total, around 1.2 million primary-school-aged children do not attend school.

Together we can make a difference for children in Kenya

260
Families
Can stay together
130
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
12,450
Medical services
Were provided
2,640
Children
Grow up in our care
190
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
SOS Children’s Villages Kenya supports families in the neighbouring community so that their children can live in better conditions. Kamau and his family receive this support. The family are facing some financial difficulties but they are striving hard to make ends meet. ‘I have benefited from financial support for my education but I also gained a lot in terms of skills,’ says Kamau (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Kenya).

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives