Kenya

The East African nation of Kenya, home to 54 million people, has some of the best-known landscapes and peoples from that vast continent.

Although ancient in cultures and traditions, the people of Kenya have seen unprecedented change in recent decades. Prior to COVID-19, a series of significant structural and economic reforms contributed to sustained economic growth over that time, leading to a rise in income and growth of the middle-class. In recent years, however, debt servicing, high taxation and inflation levels, and the continuing impacts of climate change have reversed some positive trends.

2024 saw increasing political social unrest, with students and others taking to the streets to protest a financial bill that many saw as unfair.

“Kenya’s Vision 2030 − which aims to transform Kenya into a competitive and prosperous country with a high quality of life − the government’s bottom-up economic model prioritizes agriculture, healthcare, affordable housing, micro and small enterprises, and the digital and creative economy”, (World Bank, October 2024).

However, for many the fight for survival is a daily reality.

Around 37% of Kenyans live below the income poverty line, and 12.5% live in severe multidimensional poverty. More than one quarter of children under 5 suffer from moderate or severe stunting due to poor nutrition. Kenya ranks 143rd of 189 countries for gender equality (measured in relation to reproductive health, empowerment and the labour market).

Women often bear the burden of both homemaker and bread-winner, and for those with disabilities, discrimination can bring precious few options for a meaningful future.

Our Partners

The Anglican Church of Kenya currently has 41 dioceses and ABM AID works with three of those:

Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE) whose coverage includes the Dioceses of Machakos and Makueni, and the Anglican Diocese of Eldoret.

ADSE has been implementing community development projects in the arid and semi-arid lands of Eastern Kenya for many years. Their work aims to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable communities, making them more resilient to the effects of climate change. These communities are chosen according to their rating on the Multidimensional Poverty Index, developed by the United Nations for assessing families and individuals in greatest need.

Working with the Diocese of Eldoret, AID supports the Diocese’s Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Centre’s Economic Empowerment Program for People Living with Disabilities as well as the Dioceses’ work in enhancing children’s access to school education. Both initiatives are supported in conjunction with the Diocese of Perth, Australia, which has a Partnership in Mission with Eldoret. The Economic Empowerment work seeks to improve independent livelihood opportunities for people living with a disability by offering training, mentoring, and small revolving low-interest business loans. It also raises awareness of the rights of people with disabilities among local churches and the community more broadly. The schools project is new in 2025 and focuses on providing a nutritious school lunch for students living in poverty, together with some scholarship support.

The Work We Support

1. Empowering Farmers to Thrive in a Changing Climate

Farmers in semi-arid regions face the harsh realities of climate change, including prolonged droughts and food insecurity. ADSE works alongside these farmers, equipping them with climate-smart agricultural practices, water harvesting techniques, and access to drought-tolerant crops. One remarkable story is that of Josphine Kioko, a 62-year-old mother of seven from Makueni County.

Josphine recalls the challenges her family faced before ADSE’s intervention: walking 12 kilometres to fetch water, losing livestock to hunger, and failing to harvest enough from their farm. Through training in conservation agriculture and sustainable practices, Josphine turned her situation around. She now grows vegetables such as kale and spinach in her kitchen garden, saving the money she used to spend at markets. Additionally, by planting drought-tolerant crops such as calabash (bottle gourd) and lablab beans, Josphine harvested over 900 kilograms of produce in one season, earning over $800. This income helped her pay school fees for her granddaughter and start a small vegetable business.

“From zero harvest to a bumper crop, my life has greatly changed,” Josphine says. “I am grateful to ADSE for the knowledge and skills they’ve imparted.”

Your contribution can help farmers like Josphine secure sustainable livelihoods and resilience in the face of climate change.

2. Championing Inclusion for People Living with Disabilities

Through the Diocese of Eldoret’s Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) project, people with disabilities are gaining economic independence and a voice in society. Margaret, a market seller in Eldoret, has cerebral palsy but is now thriving in her small business selling baby clothes and household items. With CBR’s advocacy, Margaret and other sellers have moved to a better location closer to town, eliminating rental costs for their stalls.

Margaret also received training through CBR, which enabled her to manage her business more effectively. She now supports her family and repays loans daily using MPESA. “This program has given me the confidence and tools to succeed,” Margaret says.

Another participant, Dickson, highlights how CBR has empowered him and others with disabilities. “Disabled people often don’t have capital, but with support, we can do so much more,” he explains. Through his small business, Dickson has been able to feed his family and educate his children. “Educating our children is vital because they’ll take care of us in the future,” he says.

Your support can provide training, advocacy, and financial resources to ensure people with disabilities can lead independent, dignified lives.

3. Expanding Educational Opportunities for Vulnerable Children

The Diocese of Eldoret is addressing the barriers that prevent disadvantaged children from accessing education. A new initiative provides daily lunches at school and offers small scholarships to cover fees and uniforms for the most vulnerable students, including those with disabilities.

This program ensures children not only stay in school but thrive.

Since education is a cornerstone for breaking the cycle of poverty, your support can transform the futures of these children.

How You Can Help

Your generosity can bring hope and opportunity to thousands across Kenya:

• $15 can provide school lunches for a child for a year.
• $50 can support training for 37 farmers in digital agricultural platforms
• $100 trains a farmer in climate-smart agriculture.
• $250 can help a person with disabilities start or expand a small business.

Every dollar makes a difference in empowering communities, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

Your support will sustain this life-changing work to transform more lives and build even brighter futures where participants have the chance to thrive.