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Matete Kenya

Meet Matete, Kenya

[Jesus said] I have come that they may have life
and have it abundantly. - John 10: 10

Mother and Child Meet the community of Matete, located just north of the equator in Kenya’s Western Province. The Matete District is home to more than 60,000 people, mostly subsistence farmers and members of the Luhya tribe, living on less than $1/day.

Bethany has partnered with World Vision in a long term relationship to enable Matete to become self-sufficient. In 2011, Bethany and the surrounding community sponsored more than 500 children in Matete, setting them on a path to live life in all its fullness.

Water Dispensery Much progress has since been made in Matete. They are building new schools, improving the health and hygiene of Matete’s most vulnerable members, and bringing clean water to several thousand people through new wells and protected springs. World Vision is also nurturing spiritual development wth training for the faith leaders and the children.

Our generosity is making a difference in Matete. But more child sponsorships and donations to clean water projects are needed to address the primary challenges.

Map of the Matete District

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Families carry water long distances 3 to 5 times a day to meet their daily needs. Nearly 60% of the community still lack access to clean water, contributing to many preventable diseases. Only 1 in 5 families use improved sanitation facilities.

Health

There is a high incidence of preventable disease such malaria, parasites on the feet of children with no shoes, malnutrition, and typhoid, cholera, and diarrhea, which often result from contaminated water. There is also a high AIDS infection rate. Clinics are few, with inadequate resources, and can be a several mile walk away. So the mortality rate of young women and children is high, with 7000 orphans and other vulnerable children. Many children also find it difficult to attend school.

Education

Many schools in Matete are in disrepair and more schools are needed. Resources are lacking and classrooms often have 60 students per teacher. Educational achievement is low, but worse for girls – approximately 75% of females do not continue to secondary education. Only a third of adults attended 6th grade or higher, while a quarter of adults never attended school.

As the recipients of God’s extravagant generosity, and as the hands and feet of Christ, we also can love and give generously to bring new hope to those still struggling in Matete.