50%
Of people in Nairobi are estimated to live in slums
Inequality and poverty
Nairobi is the commercial and financial center of Kenya. Economic growth over the recent years has brought relative wealth to some people in the city.
However, a vast number of people still live in poverty. In fact, it is estimated that up to 50% of Nairobi’s inhabitants live in one of the many slums in the city. In these areas, families have an extremely poor standard of living, with no proper housing, running water, sanitation or health facilities. Family income tends to be low and many parents cannot afford to provide for their children.
19,000
Kenyan children under 5 die of diarrhea each year
Illness marks the lives of children
Most families who live in slums do not have access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and sewage systems.
Under these conditions, the risk of contracting life-threatening infectious diseases is high. Children are particularly vulnerable, especially if their immune systems are weakened due to malnutrition. Diarrheal disease is a severe problem as it kills around 19 000 Kenyan children every year. In addition, like in other parts of the country, HIV/AIDS presents a challenge in Nairobi.
Your support makes a difference for children in Nairobi
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
120
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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With some support from SOS Children’s Villages, Dalila completed her training to become a mechanic. Kerubo is starting her own hair salon business (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Kenya).
How your support helps in Nairobi
Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.