NGPU
December 4, 2023
Governor Kihika’s Transformative Nutrition Initiatives for Nakuru
Written by Ruth Magak
A transformative initiative is taking root, promising to reshape the nutritional landscape and fortify communities in Nakuru against the challenges of these times and seasons when climate change if greatly affecting health and well-being.
Governor Susan Kihika has proactively supported the rollout and implementation of a project dubbed CASCADE- Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience.
In line with her manifesto to strengthen partnerships and collaboration to complement the County Government efforts against the need, CARE International and GAIN, have set their sights on enhancing food security and combating malnutrition among women of reproductive age and children under five years.
The program’s primary objectives are clear: increase access to healthy diets and bolster household resilience to economic and climate change-related shocks.
The dual-pronged approach reflects a holistic understanding of the challenges Nakuru’s residents face, acknowledging that true well-being encompasses nutritional security and the ability to weather external pressures.
One of CASCADE’s key approaches is to empower communities with the tools and knowledge needed to access and adopt healthy diets. The program recognizes that nutrition is not just a matter of food availability but also one of accessibility and awareness.
With a focus on women of reproductive age and children under five, the program aims to lay the foundation for healthier generations, breaking the cycle of malnutrition and fostering a culture of well-being.
In a world marked by economic uncertainties and the looming spectre of climate change, household resilience is paramount.
CASCADE project now comes to give a solution to the vulnerability of communities to external shocks and endeavours to fortify households against these challenges.
The program continues the gains already made in the past by aligning with GAIN’s Vegetables for All Project in Nakuru County.
Governor Susan has taken a proactive stance, promoting the production and consumption of nutrient-rich vegetables as a means to enhance both food security and resilience by forging partnerships that enhance these initiatives in Nakuru.
In a strategic move to amplify the impact of these initiatives, CASCADE recently organized a Media Engagement Forum for select Media Nutrition Champions.
This forum was part of Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to capacity building Nakuru’s media team in different aspects, empowering the media team to advocate for the nutrition interventions championed by Her Excellency Governor Susan Kihika through the CASCADE program.
Media, as a powerful tool, becomes a catalyst for change, disseminating information, and fostering community engagement.
CASCADE is not merely a set of interventions; it’s a catalyst for transformative change. The program recognizes the need to address cultural norms and practices, particularly through a gender-transformative approach.
By acknowledging and challenging ingrained societal perspectives on nutrition, CASCADE aims to create a shift in mindset, fostering a culture where health and well-being are prioritized.
CASCADE aspires to create a comprehensive ecosystem where health and resilience are collective responsibilities. The convergence of strategic partnerships, community engagement, and media advocacy signals a journey towards the vision of “A Healthy County“.
