Westridge Foundation
Groundbreaking research that shaped our foundation's mission to break the cycle of poverty through education and community empowerment
Download Full ReportHow Systemic Challenges Perpetuate Generational Poverty and Potential Pathways to Sustainable Change
This research report presents findings from a comprehensive study conducted by Westridge Foundation across 15 rural communities in Western Kenya between January 2024 and March 2025. The study aimed to understand the root causes and systemic factors perpetuating poverty in the region, with particular focus on the intersection between education, economic opportunity, and community development.
Our research revealed that 68% of households in the study area live below the national poverty line, with education access and quality emerging as the most significant determinants of economic mobility.
The study employed mixed methods including household surveys (n=1,200), focus group discussions (24 groups), and in-depth interviews with community leaders, educators, and families. This report presents our key findings, analysis, and evidence-based recommendations that directly informed the creation of Westridge Foundation's programs.
Western Kenya exhibits poverty rates significantly higher than national averages, with unique regional challenges that require targeted interventions:
Figure 1: Comparative poverty rates across regions in Kenya (Source: KNBS 2023, Westridge Foundation Research 2025)
| Indicator | Western Kenya | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Population below poverty line | 68% | 36% |
| Households with daily income < $1.90 | 42% | 23% |
| Unemployment rate (ages 18-35) | 39% | 22% |
| Households dependent on subsistence farming | 78% | 55% |
| Access to clean water within 1km | 54% | 72% |
Educational access and quality emerged as the most significant differentiator between households that escape poverty and those that remain trapped:
Figure 2: Educational attainment by economic status in Western Kenya
Households where at least one member completed secondary education were 4.2 times more likely to rise above the poverty line compared to those without secondary education.
Girls in Western Kenya are 37% more likely to drop out of school than boys, with early marriage and household responsibilities cited as primary reasons.
Despite 82% primary school enrollment, only 28% of students achieve expected competency levels in core subjects by Grade 8.
Our research identified four interconnected systems that perpetuate poverty in Western Kenya:
Figure 3: Root causes of poverty in Western Kenya (Weighted by impact)
Despite high enrollment rates at primary levels, educational quality and completion rates remain significant challenges:
The regional economy offers limited formal employment opportunities:
"When we asked community members what would most help their families escape poverty, 73% cited 'better education for our children' as their top priority, above direct financial assistance."
Our research found gender disparities significantly impact poverty cycles:
Health challenges compound poverty conditions:
Our longitudinal analysis of 200 families revealed how poverty becomes entrenched across generations:
Figure 4: Poverty persistence across generations in study households
We identified a self-reinforcing cycle that makes escape from poverty exceptionally difficult:
Figure 5: The intergenerational poverty cycle in Western Kenya
Key elements of the poverty trap include:
Breaking this cycle requires simultaneous interventions at multiple points - education, economic empowerment, and community development - which became the foundation of our integrated approach.
Our research also examined existing poverty alleviation programs to identify effective strategies:
Figure 6: Impact assessment of various poverty interventions in Western Kenya
Programs with the highest measurable impact shared these characteristics:
Programs combining education sponsorship with nutrition, healthcare, and family support showed 3x greater impact than education-only interventions.
Microfinance programs with business training increased household incomes by 58% compared to 22% for cash transfers alone.
Projects with strong community leadership and participation had 72% sustainability rate vs 31% for externally-imposed programs.
Based on our findings, Westridge Foundation has developed an integrated approach to poverty alleviation that addresses root causes while providing immediate support:
This research directly informed the creation of Westridge Foundation's three flagship programs:
Addressing our findings on gender disparity through girls' education, mentorship, and reproductive health education.
Responding to the economic empowerment needs identified in our research with business training and micro-grants.
Addressing early childhood development gaps and nutrition needs revealed in our study.
Our research confirms that breaking intergenerational poverty requires sustained, integrated intervention. Westridge Foundation's programs are designed to work synergistically across education, economic empowerment, and community development.