Fighting Poverty in Kenya

Facts about Kenya

Kenya’s ethnic diversity has produced a vibrant culture but is also a source of conflict. Recent acts of terrorism add to the pressing challenges of high unemployment, crime and poverty. Droughts frequently put millions of people at risk.

Kenya, along with much of sub-Saharan Africa, is on the verge of a crisis. By 2035, the International Monetary Fund estimates the number of Africans joining the working age population will exceed the rest of the world combined. To fill this surge, 18 million new jobs will have to be created each year for the next 20 years across sub-Saharan Africa. In the meantime, Kenyans rely on the informal sector for a chance to earn a living. In addition, access to basic services, like energy, water and sanitation, education, health care and agriculture, is often inadequate.

When poor people have access to financial services and life-enhancing products, they can earn more, build their assets, create jobs and cushion themselves against external shocks. FINCA is helping Kenyans improve their lives by supporting access to basic services through FINCA Ventures.