CRS History in Kenya

Food shortages, low income, soaring unemployment and rising poverty levels characterize Kenya. Poverty and vulnerability assessments indicate that 43 percent of the population lives in absolute poverty (earning less than $1 a day).

Vulnerability to food insecurity is highest among the pastoralists (sheep and cattle farmers) and small-scale agriculturalists (food farmers) in the arid and semi-arid regions of the country. A struggling education system, corruption, susceptibility to disaster and a rising incidence of disease and infection, especially HIV and AIDS, make CRS' work indispensable in the country.

CRS has been working in Kenya for close to 40 years. Throughout its work, the agency has provided food assistance as part of a maternal/child health program. Programs additionally supported community efforts to improve agriculture, manage natural resources, rebuild infrastructure and teach sanitation methods.

Recently, the agency's focus has shifted from direct relief and food distribution to a comprehensive development program that works through partners and enhances local capacity. CRS' office is in Nairobi and has 50 national and four international staff.