Unveiling the Struggles of Poverty in Kenya's Busia County

In 2024, 7.8 percent of Kenya's population live below 2.15 U.S. dollars per day. This means that over 8.9 million Kenyans, most of whom were in rural areas, are living in extreme poverty (Cowling, 2024). Despite the nation's natural beauty, poverty remains a challenge for many Kenyan families, particularly for vulnerable rural communities. There are multifaceted dimensions of poverty in Busia County and understanding each aspect is the first step to bringing change. 

Access to Education and Unemployment: 

There are formidable obstacles to education in Kenya, including inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and unequal access. Numerous schools struggle to educate children and youth due to fundamental deficiencies such as insufficient classrooms and textbooks, exacerbating the situation. Rural regions face a dearth of qualified educators, resulting in overcrowded classrooms and diminished educational standards. Furthermore, remote and marginalized communities confront significant hurdles in accessing educational resources, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Compounding these challenges are factors such as poverty, gender discrimination, and disability, which further widen existing disparities in education. 

Kenya grapples with pervasive unemployment, compounding the challenges families endure. The scarcity of quality education in the country plays a pivotal role in fueling this issue. With a significant portion of Kenyan families unable to afford school fees or access adequate educational resources, the pool of qualified job seekers remains scant. Consequently, this educational deficit perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty, as individuals find themselves unable to secure employment due to lacking the requisite qualifications. 

Read more about educational challenges in our last blog here: https://www.cocekenya.org/blog-2/kenyaseducationsystem 

Access to Basic Necessities:  

Those living in poverty have limited access to necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare. Shockingly, approximately 36% of Kenyans live below the national poverty line, struggling to afford even a single meal a day (Cowling, 2024). Drawing from insights shared by head teachers in the villages, it is evident that impoverished residents face dire housing conditions. Many families are relegated to makeshift shelters constructed from whatever materials are available, often lacking basic amenities like running water and sanitation facilities. These inadequate living conditions expose them to heightened health risks, including the spread of infectious diseases. The firsthand accounts underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address housing insecurity and improve the quality of life for these marginalized communities. 

COCE’s Role 

Within the communities of Busia County, we see the determination of individuals to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves and their families. Community members are both ingenious and resourceful in finding innovative solutions to their everyday problems. Many have tight-knit bonds and support one another through challenging times. Recognizing and celebrating these strengths and resources is essential for fostering positive change and promoting sustainable development in Busia County. 

Students immersed in the University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA) study abroad program in Kenya saw this, too. They shared a deeper understanding of the resilience and strength ingrained in Kenyan culture emerges. Despite their struggles of poverty, the students vividly recounted witnessing a remarkable spirit of adaptability, unwavering community support, and an infectious positivity resonating among the Kenyan community. 

 COCE stands at the forefront of community efforts to combat poverty in Busia County. Through infrastructure projects, we have built or refurbished classrooms in local schools and built latrines to ensure access to restrooms. Our student sponsorship initiative provides opportunities for students to complete their education. And, once built, our community library will serve as a space that fosters creativity, hope, and opportunities through educational and health programming and students’ educational sponsorship. 

In April 2024, the ceiling of the community library is in the works.

As we navigate the complexities of poverty in Busia County, we must respond with empathy, solidarity, and action. Poverty remains a daunting challenge in Busia County, casting a long shadow over the aspirations and well-being of its residents. Yet, amidst adversity, there is a shared commitment to collective action and social change. Let us stand united in our resolve to combat poverty, uplift vulnerable communities, and build a future where prosperity knows no bounds. 

References: 

Cowling, N. (2024, March 8). Kenya: Extreme poverty rate 2016-2030. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1227076/extreme-poverty-rate-in-kenya/