14/01/2022
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TRADE

Power Africa is supporting the Government of Kenya’s vision to increase the supply of and access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for economic growth.
Irene Angwenyi/USAID
OVERVIEW
Until the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya was one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, with an annual average growth of 5.9% between 2010 and 2018. With a GDP of $95 billion, Kenya recently reached lower-middle income status, and has successfully established a diverse and dynamic economy. It also serves as the point of entry to the larger, 300 million East African market.However, Kenya continues to face significant challenges to sustainable and inclusive economic growth, which have been exacerbated by COVID-19’s economic disruptions, alongside long-running challenges including corruption and economic inequality. Two-thirds of the Kenyan population lives in poverty below $3.20 per day and have since independence. As a result, the majority of Kenyans, particularly women and girls, can be considered chronically vulnerable. There is a persistently large gap between the rich and poor, with approximately 70 percent of Kenyan families chronically vulnerable due to poor nutrition, food insecurity, and preventable diseases spanning generations. Many Kenyans suffer from economic inequality while a minority elite continues to capture and exploit their labor, resources, and opportunities.
USAID partners with the Government of Kenya, the private sector and the Kenyan people to advance economic prosperity for all. Our vision is that every Kenyan can benefit from Kenya’s development, can grow their business, feed their family, and contribute to Kenya’s future. To do this, we work through Kenyan and U.S. private organizations to implement development projects jointly designed with Kenyans. These organizations partner directly with Kenyan private sector, communities, and county and national governments to promote a level playing field so businesses a