Brief description of its relationship with SDG-1

Kenya is the economic hub of East Africa. It has pioneered mobile banking technology (like M-Pesa), which revolutionized financial inclusion for the unbanked poor. It also faces heavy debt burdens. (Stadler, 2024)

Kenya’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 1 is central to its national development strategy, aiming to eradicate poverty by 2030 through social protection, economic inclusion, and resilience to climate shocks. However, despite intensified efforts, progress remains challenged by economic pressures, food insecurity, and regional inequalities, contributing to persistently high levels of multidimensional poverty. 

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Kenya faces significant challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 by 2030, driven by high public debt (over 70% of GDP), climate-related shocks, inflation, and limited development financing. The United Nations supports the country through initiatives such as expanded social protection, drought-response programmes, and resilience-building in rural areas. Despite these efforts, key issues persist, including climate vulnerability, limited access to basic services, and ongoing income inequalities. At the same time, Kenya continues to advance SDG 1 through national programs like the Inua Jamii cash transfer and the Hunger Safety Net Programme.  

LIST OF REFERENCES AND USEFUL LINKS

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics Division. (n.d.). SDG country profile: Kenya. United Nations. Retrieved May 3, 2026, from https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/dataportal/countryprofiles/ken

United Nations in Kenya. (n.d.). United Nations in Kenya. Retrieved May 3, 2026, from https://kenya.un.org/en

United Nations in Kenya. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goal 1: No poverty - Key activities. Retrieved May 3, 2026, from https://kenya.un.org/en/sdgs/1/key-activities

Sustainable Development Solutions Network. (2026). Kenya. Sustainable Development Report 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026, from https://dashboards.sdgindex.org/profiles/kenya/

Stadler, C. (2024, June 11). M-PESA: Why the world’s first large mobile payment platform keeps on winning. Forbes. Retrieved May 3, 2026, from  https://www.forbes.com/sites/christianstadler/2024/06/11/m-pesa-why-the-worlds-first-large-mobile-payment-platform-keeps-on-winning/

Inua Jamii. (n.d.). Inua Jamii: National safety net programme. Retrieved May 3, 2026, from https://www.inuajamii.go.ke:1001/self-registration/introduction

Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. (n.d.). Kenya: Hunger Safety Net Programme. Retrieved May 3, 2026, from  https://globalallianceagainsthungerandpoverty.org/country-example/kenya-hunger-safety-net-programme/