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

Michael Gebremedhin/USAID

Agriculture and Food Security

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya's economy, and improving private, small-scale farms is essential to an inclusive 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

USAID works with the Government of Kenya to increase trade among East African countries and globally.  The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), TradeMark East Africa, and other global initiatives increase trade opportunities.  USAID supports a range of trade-related areas including: capacity building, private sector enabling environment, market access, food security, and exports.

Democracy, Human Rights and Governance

From the inclusive reform process that birthed a new Constitution in 2010, 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.

Education 

To support the next generation of young leaders, we improve early grade reading, expand educational and employment opportunities and provide life skills and leadership training to millions of school children and youth in Kenya and 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

To support the next generation of young leaders, we improve early grade reading, expand educational and employment opportunities and provide life skills and leadership training to millions of school children and youth in Kenya and 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.

Health

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is reorienting its strategies, partnership models, and program practices to achieve greater development--the Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR). As a partner on this journey, the U.S. government through USAID supports Kenya’s national government, counties, civil societies, faith-based organizations and private sectors to realize locally-sustained results. 

In Kenya, USAID’s Health Population and Nutrition unit projects support HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care; family planning and reproductive health, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health; nutrition; water, sanitation and hygiene; malaria prevention and treatment; and tuberculosis control and treatment. The J2SR approach will foster a stable, resilient, and prosperous Kenya that is more self-reliant with enduring partnerships.