Kenya

WeWorld has been working in Kenya since 2009, alongside people and communities affected by poverty, inequality and social exclusion. We operate in the counties of Nairobi, Narok, Migori, Kwale and Isiolo, implementing programmes focused on education, gender equality, economic development, youth participation, climate resilience and peacebuilding.

Kenya is one of the largest and most diversified economies in East Africa and was classified as a lower-middle-income country in 2014. Despite economic progress, significant inequalities persist between urban and rural areas, arid and semi-arid regions, and informal settlements. Corruption, weak governance and systemic inequalities continue to limit access to services, resources and opportunities for large sections of the population.

The country’s young population is one of its key resources. Young people aged 15 to 34 make up 35% of the population, yet face very high levels of unemployment. A lack of economic opportunities can increase the risk of marginalisation, crime and vulnerability to radicalisation.

Agriculture remains a key sector of the economy, involving more than 40% of the population in agricultural activities, at least on a part-time basis. This strong dependence makes many communities particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and food insecurity. Women and young people also continue to face significant barriers to accessing land, credit and training, as well as to participating in decision-making processes.

In Kenya, we work using a rights-based, community-centred approach, in partnership with institutions, civil society organisations, teachers, families, young people and local leaders.

In the field of education, we promote equitable access to quality education and support the health, wellbeing and protection of girls, boys and young people. Our programmes aim to improve learning outcomes, school retention and transitions between different levels of education by creating safe and inclusive learning environments. Since 2011, we have been working in the counties of Migori, Homa Bay and Narok, reaching more than 23,500 people, including 1,800 women and 9,385 girls and boys.

Gender equality is an integral part of our work. We work to challenge harmful social norms, prevent violence and promote autonomy and the full realisation of rights. We engage women, men, young people, families and communities to foster more equal relationships, new forms of participation and greater sharing of responsibilities.

The climate crisis is an increasing challenge for communities that depend on natural resources and agriculture. In Isiolo, Kwale and Nairobi, we work to strengthen the role of young people and civil society organisations in climate action and the green transition. We promote civic participation and youth leadership, alongside environmental awareness, sustainable natural resource management and the development of livelihoods that are more resilient to climate-related shocks.

We also work to strengthen inclusive and resilient WASH systems, combining infrastructure that can respond to the impacts of the climate crisis with community engagement, gender equality, and awareness-raising and behaviour-change activities.

Finally, in Kwale County, on Kenya’s coast, we promote peace, conflict prevention and social cohesion. We work with youth networks and civil society organisations to prevent conflict, insecurity and extremism, while promoting Swahili culture as a tool for dialogue, unity and peaceful coexistence.