The ability of more than half of those residing near the Kenyan border and in other African countries to meet their basic needs has gotten worse over the past two years due to high rates of poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy.
According to a report by the United Nations Development Programme and the Africa Borderlands Centre, 3 out of 5 people, or 58% of those who live in borderlands, have seen a decline in their income due to lower earnings, with the majority earning less than $65 (Sh7,991) per month on average.
Only 1 in 8 people (12%) said their income had increased. 37 percent of people who claim their income has increased over the past two years are able to save money, and only 17 percent do not have enough.
Almost half of the respondents earn less than $5 (Sh614) per week, including a quarter who say they have no earnings. In Kenya, the survey was done in six points in West Pokot and Marsabit.