Economic Growth

Garissa County sees sporadic conflict among three clans. In October 2010, a skirmish led to the closure of the Garissa Livestock Market, one of the most important markets in Kenya.

“The closure was disastrous as we lost one week’s livelihood,” said Ahmed Hassan, Chairman of the Garissa District Livestock Marketing Council (DLMC). “Just imagine the earning lost by those involved in the cattle trade,” he emphasized.

Innovate and diversify: This is USAID/Kenya’s basic advice to farmers, backed up by practical training, technical assistance and connection to finance and markets.

Passion fruit is a prime example of this philosophy.

On November 2, members of the USAID/Kenya community gathered to celebrate 50 years of partnership between the United States and Kenya.  Despite heavy rain and traffic jams, staff from USAID/Kenya were joined at the Tribe Hotel in Nairobi by various implementing partners, officials from the Government of Kenya, and other honored guests.  Throughout the evening, guests were able to view the newly released USAID/Kenya 50^th Anniversary Film ‘In Step’ as well as the 50^th Anniversary photo exhibit.  Implementing partners from throughout USAID were available to

The Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) provides a great opportunity for smallholder farmers in Kenya.  They provide higher income potential than traditional crops, adapt well to variable climates, and can be grown year-round. Consumer demand of OFSP is growing thanks to the nutritional benefits, long shelf-life and easy preparation.

Commemorating USAID’s 50^thAnniversary,  USAID/Kenya is proud to introduce our new film, “In Step:  50 Years of USAID – Kenya Partnership.”  The film showcases USAID/Kenya’s work  to promote health, education, economic growth, democracy, and peace. 

Featuring music by Kenyan star Eric Wainaina, and produced by Camerapix, one of Africa’s premiere documentary companies, the video includes  first-hand perspectives on how Kenyans’ lives have improved thanks to USAID programs.  Five shorts on specific themes accompany the film.

To view

iCow Mobile App was recently featured on Forbes.com as the best new African Mobile App.  iCow is an SMS and voice-based mobile application for small-scale dairy farmers in Kenya.  Farmers can register for the app, enter information regarding their cattle and then receive information on breeding stages, nutrition, milk production efficiency and gestation for each specific cow registered.  Please check out the full story here. 

One Moms blog their way through Kenya

This past week, the folks at ONE joined 10 bloggers who made their way through Kenya to see what life is really like for moms in the developing world.   It’s been great to watch their progress and follow the blogs, photos, stories, and tweets about their trip. 

Among the highlights for us are the blogs below which include stories about vi