The population of Kenya is estimated to be well over 40 million according to the latest statistics. Just as is the case with many countries of the African continent, a good proportion of this population is believed to survive on less than a dollar per day. Many Kenyan kids are talented in many aspects but the abject poverty that they have to overcome denies them the opportunity to bring out the best in them.
There many things that can be done in a bid to help these children realize their full potential. The most important of these things is providing them with a decent education. If they are taken to school and helped to complete their O levels at the very least, then they will be in a position to chart their own way. While the Kenya government boasts of free primary education started about a decade ago, still many cannot enjoy this provision due to the other expenses not catered for.
Unhygienic conditions of the slums highly favour a continued high level of disease prevalence and incidence. Many children are exposed to these diseases early in life and are thus at risk of suffering mental and physical disability even as they grow older. There should be proper strategies in place to ensure that primary prevention of these diseases is done.
There are many children in Kenyan who either directly or indirectly have been affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Those that are affected directly are those that were born of infected mothers. They require both medical and psychological treatment to deal with the challenges associated with the condition. The indirectly affected are those that have been orphaned as a result of the illness.
Sports in Kenya are enjoyed around the country. Rugby, football and athletics are some of the most popular. Not only do these activities contribute to physical and psychological well-being, but they have also proved to provide careers for many people. Identifying children with talents in these areas and nurturing them will be a good way of empowering them.
Talents are evident in the performing arts as well. There are many kids that are good at acting and a few of them have been lucky to be contracted by local entertainment companies. Many others are gifted in music and dance. If the right environment is created, all these will nurtured for the good of the community and the country at large.
One of the biggest challenges in the slums is drugs abuse. The ease of availability of the drugs makes it very accessible for almost anyone. Many children find themselves addicted to the drugs in a bid to find some comfort. As a consequence, the rates of crime are fairly high. Rehabilitation centres need to be put up so as to help this special group.
The problems faced by Kenyan kids are more or less the same as those experienced in many other parts of the third world. While the number may seem really huge according to the available statistics, making a difference in the life of one child is indeed a very big difference in itself. Help should come from Kenyans themselves and other well-wishers from outside the country.
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