For Kenya, as many other developing countries, the vicious cycle of poverty and unemployment remain by far the greatest economic and social concern. Indeed, the major challenges facing Kenya's economy today are the attainment of full productive employment for its rapidly increasing labour force and alleviation of poverty which has assumed crisis proportions in the recent years.

Promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment is the most effective means of attaining sustainable and equitable growth that ensure poverty alleviation.

The Government of Kenya is committed to poverty eradication as key ingredient in building an economically strong and prosperous nation, with a cohesive society in which all have an opportunity to realize their full potential. The Government also recognizes that the provision of adequate employment opportunities is an integral element of any development strategy designed to achieve the citizen's basic needs satisfaction.

Recent development plans emphasize this position and also illustrate the Government's ambitious development strategy whose vision is to bring sustainable economic growth and rapid employment through industrialization. This strategy stresses the leading role of the private and voluntary sectors' increased participation in the country's investment in productive ventures with the Government providing an enabling environment.

As a result of the Government campaign against these problems, various stakeholders, including social and development partners have prioritized actions against poverty and unemployment. The National Poverty Eradication Plan (NPEP) and The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) are clear demonstration of the government's commitment to fight poverty and unemployment.

Whereas the Government is committed to the on going process of social development and economic growth, the involvement of the poor who form over half of the country's population is crucial for the sustainability of these initiatives.