Kenya- Rural Poverty- Education a way out

Kenya is a diverse country that boasts a population of 40.8 million. Its tourism
industry is thriving and is the country's best source of income. As a country that has one of the best developed economies in Eastern Africa, it would be all too easy to overlook its problems. However Kenya is a low income country with most Kenyans living below the poverty level of $1 a day. The United Nations Development Programme’s human development index, a framework which measures a country's development in terms of life expectancy and standards of education and living ranks Kenya 148th among 177 countries.




The facts are that over 7.5 million people are living in extreme poverty with over 80 percent of Kenyans living in rural areas. Many of the rural population are forced to rely on their own farming for their food as well as income. Erratic and unpredictable changes in the climate have made an already difficult situation worse with droughts that frequently put millions of people at risk. With Kenya's growing population, this issue has the potential to become worse.



Despite a difficult and discouraging situation, it's a situation that can inspire change especially through education and a fairer distribution of wealth. Who sees the benefits of Kenya's thriving tourism industry and why are more than half of the country’s 31.3 million people poor ? Currently school fees are often out of reach for poor families, leaving each generation to continue trying to find work while lacking the education to advance. As we've established most work in rural areas comes from agriculture and so this is not always a steady supply of income. However implementing accessible education for everyone is a way of making progress and the most effective tool of empowerment there is. Education comes in different shapes and forms and its by giving people a skill- in and out of the classroom (and agriculture) that will make people aware of their potential and the kind of country Kenya can be.



Selina Nwulu

2011- Kenya here we go!!!

2011 is here! A fresh start, a new beginning, and a whole lot of fun to have! To start off, we are looking at Kenya. Kenya is known internationally for its long distance runners, game reserves and …… well I guess that’s all most people know. What they don’t know is that it is named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. Its first president is Jomo Kenyatta and it’s national food is Kenya bread……Ok I made the last one up, but the rest is true. Like the mountain it’s named after, the country aims to be a giant of Africa, uniting people of different tribes and giving people the experience of a life time.


If you’ve come across Kenyans before you would have undoubtedly noticed their great sense of national pride, their heart warming personalities and the fact that not all of them can run. The way they speak their language – Swahili, is infectious, the way they talk so well of their country is distinguished and the way they stick together is inspiring. The country itself is beautiful with their white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, their forests, game reserves and my favourite – the lion hunting, cattle rearing, red hair dyeing, tall, slim stick carrying, jumping Maasais! It is so refreshing to find in the 21st century a community that stays true to themselves and have not compromised on their lifestyles or integrity.



If the country is so wonderful what do they need us for? The truth is along with the good, there often is a lot of bad. The aids pandemic has left a lot of children helpless and homeless. Corruption and ethnic violence has kept some in poverty and political inefficiencies have displaced a lot of people. It is our commitment that the dreams of the founding fathers be realised, and those without voices not be forgotten. When we make our trip to Kenya in April the aim wouldn’t be to check out the beaches or the Safaris, but to reach out to those who need the encouragement, who need to see the beauty and potential hidden within. We are united for change and this year we are changing dreams into realities.


Immanuel.