USAID works with Kenyans to improve health, education, and food security

Michael Gebremedhin/USAID

Agriculture and Food Security

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, and improving private, small-scale farms is essential to a broad-based, poverty reduction strategy. USAID is a leader in farming and pastoral programs that focus on the entire value-chain: from seeds and soil, to farming methods, to linking farmers to markets.Through the support of the U.S. Government Feed the Future initiative, our activities are increasing agricultural productivity and incomes for smallholder farmers, building more resilient communities, improving access to clean water and adequate sanitation, increasing access to affordable financing for farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses, and improving the overall business environment to attract private investment.

Economic Growth and Trade

Small businesses are challenged by the lack of essential business support services, especially financial services. We investing in agriculture to spur economic growth and reduce poverty. Power Africa is helping Kenya reduce reliance on expensive diesel-fueled generation and other high-cost fossil resources by supporting the development of the energy sector.

Democracy, Human Rights and Governance

From the inclusive reform process that birthed a new Constitution in 2010 and credible and legitimate elections in 2013 until today, Kenya has achieved many democratic milestones. Among them was the creation of 47 new county governments, effectively creating a new devolved system of political power. 

We support county governments as they strive to operate with greater transparency, accountability and inclusivity, as well as provide better public services to residents. At the national level, we partner with ministries and Parliament to strengthen national policies and advance and guide the devolution process.

To support credible, transparent and peaceful elections in 2017, USAID and other international development partners provide training and expert assistance to support key institutions involved in preparing for the election, provide election observation and conduct voter registration and education to expand the participation of women, youth, and vulnerable populations, and reduce the likelihood of elections-related conflict.

Education 

To support the next generation of young leaders, we improve primary education, expand educational and employment opportunities and provide life skills and leadership training to thousands of Kenyan school children and young men and women throughout East Africa. Through the Young African Leaders Initiative, launched in 2010, we support young people to spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance and enhance peace and security across Africa. The YALI Regional Leadership Center for East Africa is based at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya.

Environment

The arid and semi-arid lands account for 80 percent of the country’s land area and climate variability has led to significant economic losses and increased food insecurity. Other external factors such as wildlife crime, urban expansion, and population growth are threatening conservation efforts. Our activities address these challenges through the promotion of community-based natural resource management in biodiversity hotspots. With over 60 percent of the country's wildlife ranging outside state-protected areas, sustainable management of community and private lands has proved vital to protecting and conserving Kenya’s natural heritage. In addition, we improve ecosystem resilience and build capacity to implement a low emissions development strategy.  

Health

We support the health sector with high-impact, evidence-based interventions. Due to the devolution of health sector management and service delivery to 47 counties, our interventions target the county level with additional support at the national level. We work with the Government of Kenya, civil society, faith-based organizations and the private sector on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care; family planning and reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health; nutrition; water, sanitation and hygiene; malaria prevention and treatment; and tuberculosis control and treatment.