KENYA
context
Kenya has made strides in education, but deep-rooted challenges continue to hinder universal access to quality learning. Disparities based on region, gender, and income remain stark—particularly for rural families, where the cost of schooling can be prohibitive. Agriculture, the backbone of Kenya’s economy, is highly vulnerable to climate shocks like droughts, placing additional strain on communities dependent on subsistence farming.
Only 60% of children from the poorest households in Kenya complete Grade 6, leading to weak literacy and numeracy skills. Girls face added barriers from child marriage and teenage pregnancy, while children with disabilities lack the support and facilities they need. Across the country, poor infrastructure, financial strain, and overcrowded or under-resourced schools, especially in rural and informal urban areas, continue to undermine education quality.
YOUR IMPACT in kenya
25,944
Children reached through school improvements.
47,375
Children reached through our programmes.
8,025
Adults reached through programmes such as livelihood support and teacher training to improve learning outcomes.
what we are doing
In Kenya, Street Child is dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality education, are safe in their learning environments, and receive the necessary support to succeed. Through various programs, we address barriers to education, enhance foundational learning, and create safe spaces for children to thrive.
Street Child’s porridge school feeding project in Laikipia plays a crucial role in increasing enrolment in Early Childhood Development centres. By addressing nutritional needs, the program has significantly improved classroom engagement, with children actively participating in storytelling, creative arts, and literacy activities.
Our work also extends to strengthening child protection mechanisms within schools. We integrate mental health services into our education programs, ensuring that children who have faced trauma, exploitation, or neglect receive the necessary care to continue learning. By training teachers, parent-teacher associations, and community members, we create a holistic support system that prioritises children’s mental well-being, in alignment with Kenya’s National Education Policy.
Empowering families is central to Street Child’s approach to long-term educational success. In Kenya, we tackle economic barriers by equipping caregivers with financial tools and training to boost household income and keep children in school. Through initiatives like the Family Business for Education model, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and the Farmers Network Project, families gain access to sustainable livelihoods—from climate-smart farming to small business development. These programmes have proven effective, with 90% of supported VSLA businesses sustaining operations for at least a year and 85–95% of children remaining in school for two years or more after support ends.
Street Child actively engages in school construction, renovation, and infrastructure improvement to work to improve the educational environment. Our efforts have facilitated the construction and renovation of classrooms, improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and provided essential school materials such as desks and learning resources.
In Nakuru County, our initiatives have led to the construction of semi-permanent classrooms and toilets, the installation of rainwater harvesting tanks, and the development of playgrounds. These activities ensure that schools in rural communities provide safe, engaging, and resource-equipped learning spaces.
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