Reducing extreme poverty is a critical development priority

A section of the densely populated kibra slums in Nairobi. [Photo:File/Standard]

Poverty has been a major development challenge since prevalence has remained high in post-independence Kenya. Statistics indicate that two out of every five Kenyans can’t afford more than Sh100 per day to meet their various basic needs.

The persistence of hunger, unemployment, illiteracy and moral decay such as wanton greed and social exclusion illustrates the difficulty in tackling chronic poverty.