15 March 2009

Child Labor and Infant Mortality in Kenya


Child Labor

Approximately 1 million Kenyan children aged 5-17 work for pay, profit, or family gain. 88% of these children live in the rural areas.

One of the main things they do in the rural areas is to watch the family's grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) all day. Another common thing would be for them to work in the "shamba" (field), either planting, weeding, or harvesting.

Most often, if the child is working, it means they aren't in school.

In urban areas, children can be seen selling things like "groundnuts" (peanuts) or fruit.

Ages 5-9 14%

Ages 10-14 32%

Ages 15-17 54%



Infant Mortality

1 out of 14 babies born in Kenya dies before its 1st birthday.

1 out of 9 dies before they reach their 5th birthday.


Much of this child mortality is due to preventable illnesses like malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Malnutrition is the underlying cause in 55% of all childhood deaths in Kenya.


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Deb...
These statistics are amazing. Would that everyone could visit a Kenya and see for themselves. And yet the spirit of the people is equally amazing. I just received an email from our dear friend, Ellah, from the Bishop's church. She just lost her 23-year old sister and is now taking in her sister's two children. So sad. We take so much for granted.
Love and Blessings...
Wafula

Anonymous said...

So sad. I can't imagine children working so young. And the deaths among the babies - there are no words...

-Jessica

Anonymous said...

So very sad. We are so blessed in this country, but we don't know for how much longer.....Peggy G