Eradicating Poverty for Inclusive Development in Kenya

The sustainable development goals as captured under the United 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) seek to ensure that natural resources are managed in a way that balances the needs of human beings and the need for conservation of these resources for the sake of present and future generations. The SDGs acknowledge the complex relationship between economic, social and environmental elements of development. They also set goals and targets that states must meet by the year 2030 using these resources. SDG Goal 1 thereof seeks to ensure that countries end poverty in their all its forms in their territories as part of a prerequisite for the realisation of sustainable development. It is an open secret that world is still struggling with abject poverty and huge inequalities. Kenya is no exception since a huge number of its population is still considered to be living below the poverty line. Thus, even when the country boasts of impressive economic growth, this class of people have little, if anything, to celebrate since the gains do not trickle down to positive touch their lives. As such, they often feel marginalised and sidelined as far as national development agenda is concerned. This paper discusses how the SDG Goal 1 can be achieved in Kenya, especially in the aftermath of Corona Virus Disease pandemic (COVID 19) which has affected the global economy, with the developing countries suffering the greatest. The paper offers some recommendations that may be considered for the sake of ensuring poverty in all its forms is eradicated, consequently, allow all sections of the society to feel that they belong, and that that the government’s development agenda is inclusive. The recommendations range from financial support for empowerment, to climate change and gender equality and equity, among others. Poverty eradication is an important step towards ensuring that every person’s inherent dignity and the right to have that dignity respected and protected is realised as guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya