Speeches Shim
Access to water, adequate sanitation and hygiene (WASH) remain a significant challenge in Kenya. Currently, just over half of the Kenyan population has access to clean water, and only 16 percent has access to adequate sanitation and hygiene. The Government of Kenya has set an ambitious target of universal access to WASH by 2030. This will require greater financial resources to put in place the utilities and equipment needed to make this available for all Kenyans. The total investment needed to reach universal access by 2030 is estimated at $12.9 billion dollars.
The East Africa region has rich biodiversity and natural resources that transcend national boundaries. These include vast landscapes, iconic wildlife species, watersheds, arable lands, minerals etc. Broadly defined as natural capital, these resources are an important source of economic revenue and critical to East Africa’s economic growth. The region’s nature-based tourism industry, which is almost entirely dependent on wildlife and protected areas, contributes 7.5-10% of GDP to the region and supports local communities depending on the natural capital for their livelihoods. Wildlife contributes both economically and intrinsically to the region’s natural capital and is therefore a critical asset for East Africa’s future growth and sustainable development. Loss of habitats and species, the disruption of wildlife migratory, poaching, and wildlife trafficking are major threats in East Africa.
The Economics of Natural Capital in East Africa project supports USAID Kenya and East Africa and the East African Community’s (EAC) strategic priorities for harmonization of policy and legal frameworks, sustainable management of key transboundary ecosystems, anti‐poaching, and combating wildlife trafficking, and learning and leadership for biodiversity conservation. At the core of the Economics of Natural Capital in East Africa project is the understanding that a regional effort is needed to address national‐level problems that are exacerbating the decline in wildlife populations and habitat loss. This project has a strong focus on strengthening the EAC regional policy dialogue and the evidence base on transboundary natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.
“I’ve lived with HIV for 18 years and am still going strong,” says Joan. "As a mentor, I can influence behavior change through meaningful messages and encourage more involvement of people living with HIV.” Joan learned of her HIV status in 2002 when a doctor suggested she take an HIV test. She was not responding to medication for flu-like symptoms. “I was devastated when I tested positive and frustrated when there was no one to talk to about my feelings or the way forward with regard to antiretroviral therapy”, she says.
One third of Kenya’s population is between 15-34 years old and are struggling to find meaningful employment. This untapped demographic of young Kenyans transitioning into their productive working years presents public and private sector stakeholders with both a challenge and an opportunity. USAID’s K-YES program provides motivated but disenfranchised youth the skills and support needed to be competitive and successful in gaining employment.
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