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
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
Are supported on their way to independence
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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