Following the worst drought in 40 years, Kenya is now suffering some of the worst impacts of the global hunger crisis.

4.2 million people in Kenya are enduring severe drought and acute food insecurity. More than 1 million of the malnourished are children under the age of five.

The Government of Kenya has declared the drought a national disaster, and now the cost of living has skyrocketed as the impact of the war in Ukraine continues to exacerbate the global hunger crisis — making it less possible than ever to import lifesaving food from overseas.

Families are in desperate need of emergency supplies to feed their families.

CARE is delivering lifesaving aid to people in Kenya through food and nutrition programming, cash vouchers, healthcare and medical support, access to clean water, and protection services for women and girls.

You can help millions at risk of starvation by donating to our Global Hunger Crisis Appeal.

Fast Facts

Population: 55 million (2021)
Life expectancy: 67 years (65 male, 69 female) (2020)
Infant mortality: 31 deaths/1,000 live births (2020)
Under-5 mortality: 42 deaths/1,000 live births (2020)
Maternal mortality: 342 deaths/100,000 live births (2017)
Adult literacy rate: 82% (85% male, 78% female) (2018)
Access to basic drinking water:  62% (87% urban, 52% rural) (2020)
Access to improved sanitation*: 58.2% (84% urban, 48.1% rural) (2020)
Labour force participation rate: 74.6% (77% male, 72% female (2019)
Percentage of seats held by women in national parliament: 22% (2021)
GDP per capita: $3,150 AUD (2021)

Source: World Bank, *CIA World Factbook

Providing on-going support

In many of Kenya’s poorest communities, we’re working across a range of areas to provide support for those most affected. In health clinics, community centres and public primary schools, we provide access to clean water supplies, sanitation and hygiene measures, reducing the risk of disease and helping to create a healthy environment for teaching, learning and children’s development.

CARE Kenya is one of the leading humanitarian agencies in the north-east region of Kenya, where persistent drought, erratic rains with flash floods, heightened insecurity and social conflicts are common. We’re working with communities in these regions, particularly women and girls, to help build resilience to the impacts of climate change. We’re helping provide better access to food supplies, and training in hygiene and sanitation to keep water supplies clean and sustainable, and communities healthy.

CARE’s Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) are also helping Kenya’s most vulnerable to efficiently save and invest small amounts of money to grow a new business – money that can then be used to buy food and send children to school.

To help prevent future disasters, we’re helping farmers prepare for changing weather conditions by providing training in drought-resistant crops and adapted farming methods. In partnership with small-scale farmers, we’re also planting trees that provide sustainable food supplies and a sustainable income while limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Donate now

Support our ongoing work to create a more equal world.

Your donation can help end extreme poverty and give people the means to build a better future for themselves in countries like Kenya.

For those living in extreme poverty, your support brings education and training, healthcare and clean water, nutritious food, and new ways to earn an income. And in times of crisis, you help us deliver emergency relief. Please donate today.