The social and economic contributions of the united nations system in kenya

Abstract

This project examines the social and economic contributions of the UN system in Kenya since independence. The focus of the study is on the agency specific contributions towards social and economic development. These contributions have been handled under three broad categories of the UN system in Kenya, that is, the UN Development Group, other UN Funds and Programmes, and the UN Specialised agencies in Kenya. The UNDP, which is the operational arm of the UN to serve the interests of the entire system, is examined in detail in an attempt to determine the link between development theory and experience to its practice in Kenya. This study builds on the premise that there should exist a systematic and comprehensive documentation of the UN practice in Kenya. The following were the study objectives: (1) to identify the UN system in Kenya's contribution to social and economic development since independence, (2) to investigate the extent to which development theory informs the practice of the UNDP in Kenya and, (3) to assess the extent to which experience has informed the practice of the UNDP in Kenya towards social and economic development since independence. The UN agencies in Kenya play an important role in promoting social and economic development of the country with the UN Bevelopmcnt Group being the lead category in the fulfilment of the UN mission in Kenya. This mission s to improve the quality of life and well being of the population by reducing poverty, with particular focus on the most vulnerable groups and regions, and the progressive fulfilment of rights for women and children. The analysis of the UNDP …