Across Kenya, many communities face a complex web of challenges that fuel one another—deep rural poverty, increasing rural-to-urban migration, growing rates of urban homelessness, and the devastating impact of climate change on farming. These are not isolated problems. They are interconnected—and require coordinated, long-term solutions.

At Mwandani International, we are committed to identifying these root challenges and working alongside communities to co-create sustainable responses. Below, we highlight four urgent challenges. Follow the links to learn how we aim to address each one.

Extreme Poverty in Rural Kenya

In many parts of rural Kenya, families live on less than $1.90 a day. This entrenched poverty is fueled by limited access to income-generating opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment in education and healthcare.

Read how Mwandani seeks to reduce rural poverty

Rural to Urban Migration

With few opportunities at home, many young people and families leave rural areas in search of work and a better future in cities. Unfortunately, most arrive unprepared, without jobs, housing, or support systems—placing enormous strain on urban infrastructure and increasing vulnerability.

Explore our response to rural-urban migration

Urban Homelessness in Kenya

Urban centers like Nairobi and Kisumu are seeing rising rates of homelessness, especially among youth and rural migrants. The combination of economic hardship, lack of affordable housing, and few social protections has created a humanitarian crisis in plain sight.

See how Mwandani is responding to urban homelessness

Climate Challenges and the Need for Resilient Farming

Climate change is rapidly altering the agricultural landscape in Kenya. Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and degraded soils are making it harder for small-scale farmers to grow food and sustain their livelihoods—deepening poverty and pushing more people to leave their homes.

Learn how we promote climate-resilient farming

We Can Break the Cycle

True change begins at the community level. By addressing the structural causes of poverty, migration, and vulnerability, and by equipping communities with climate-smart tools and skills, we can build a more just and sustainable future for all.

Be Part of the Solution