Kenya has made Tremendous Effort in Implementing MDGs

Kenya has made tremendous efforts in implementing the MDGs since the process started in September, 2002. While the country is on course to achieve universal primary education du e to the introduction of the free public primary education and reduction of HIV/AIDS as a result of the introduction of free antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in Government health facilities hence improving the survival rates of people living with HIV, other MDGs are still lagging behind.

Poverty levels remain almost stagnant at 46.9% as of 2007/08. Although gender issues are being addressed by the new constitution that states women and men have the right to equal treatment including the right to equal opportunities in politics, economic, cultural and social spheres, actual implementation still remains wanting. However, the Government has pledged at least 30% of all Government appointments to go to women as part of the affirmative action to address the gender gap.

 In 2008-09 the infant mortality rate was 52 deaths per 1,000 live births from 77 in 2003 while the under-five mortality rate was 74 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2008/09 from 115 in 2003. There has been impressive progress on prevention and control of malaria. The new push by government that each individual land owner should put at least 10% of land acreage under forest cover, and the aggressive conservation initiatives in the Mau Forest and the Aberdares Range show commitment towards the achievement of Goal number 7 target of reversing rate of deforestation and ensuring environmental sustainability.