This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Published on July 2, 2019, ChildFund Kenya has launched a three-year strategic plan to address the challenges faced by rural children and youth in the wake of devolution.
Country Director Chege Ngugi noted that devolution has led to the rapid urbanization of traditionally rural towns, exposing children to safety issues and youth to drugs.
Ngugi pointed out that many urban centers lack spatial planning, resulting in deprived living conditions for communities. He also highlighted the challenges of displacement due to constructions, which has brought about new lifestyle changes for rural residents.
“Urbanization through counties has brought in new challenges as a result of displacements,” said Ngugi. “Lifestyle changes to more urban setting is exposing more children to protection issues and youth to drugs. A good example is Emali town which now is for the first time grappling with street children.”
Under the strategic plan, ChildFund Kenya aims to reach over 50,000 children in 26 counties between 2019 and 2021, with an expected funding of Ksh5.6 billion ($55 million).
