NAIROBI, Kenya – With just five years left to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kenya is struggling to reduce extreme poverty, according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025.
The report shows that 14,043,800 people in Kenya—26% of the population—live on less than $2.15 (approximately Ksh. 288) a day, placing the country among nations lagging in poverty elimination.
Globally, 800 million people remain in extreme poverty, with projections suggesting that without intensified efforts, 8.9% of the world’s population will still live in extreme poverty by 2030.
Extreme poverty in Kenya is concentrated in rural areas, which account for 86% of those affected, and is slightly more prevalent among women (51%) than men (49%).
The 2025 SDG Index notes that while Kenya has made strides in achieving Zero Hunger and improving access to quality education and electricity, major challenges remain.
The country continues to face difficulties in ensuring Good Health and Well-being, developing sustainable cities and communities, and strengthening peace, justice, and institutions.
Kenya ranks 123 out of 193 countries in the 2025 SDG Index, with a score of 61.93, slightly behind Rwanda, which ranks 122.
The World Bank classifies Kenya as a lower-middle-income country, with high debt servicing costs adding to the developmental challenges.
“With just five years to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to shift into overdrive,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said upon releasing the report.
Despite the setbacks, Kenya remains on track in certain areas, including responsible consumption and production, climate action initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, and expanding access to electricity.
However, the country still faces governance challenges, including a high Corruption Perceptions Index, ongoing homicide cases, and increasing threats to press freedom.
The report underscores the urgent need for Kenya to intensify efforts to tackle extreme poverty and accelerate progress across all SDG targets before the 2030 deadline.
