NGPU
January 30, 2024
Nakuru County’s Strides in Nutrition: A Story of Progress and Collaboration
Written by Ruth Magak
With a concerted effort and a commitment to the well-being of Nakuru residents, the county has witnessed a significant milestone in addressing cases of stunting among its population. Since the inception of the County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP) in 2021, Nakuru County has seen a remarkable reduction in stunting rates, from 27.9 to 18.5 per cent.
Stunting is the impaired growth and development in children caused by chronic malnutrition. It’s not merely about being short in stature; it encompasses a range of physical and cognitive deficits that can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities. Stunted growth happens when an individual fails to receive adequate nutrition, especially during early childhood, leading to diminished potential and increased vulnerability to disease and poverty later in life.
Nakuru’s success story is contributed to by the comprehensive approach adopted by the County’s Department of Health Services. The dissemination of Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) knowledge has empowered communities with the necessary information to make informed choices about nutrition. Through targeted awareness campaigns and educational programs under the Community Health program, residents have gained knowledge of optimal nutrition practices, particularly during critical stages of development.
Furthermore, Nakuru County has prioritized capacity building for its healthcare workforce and community health promoters. Investing in human capital has been instrumental in strengthening the county’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that vital services reach those in need.
A cornerstone of Nakuru’s approach has been the establishment of over 300 Mother Support Groups across the county. These grassroots initiatives serve as hubs of support and information exchange for mothers and caregivers, building a sustainable sense of community and solidarity.
Through these groups, women receive guidance, encouragement, and practical advice on various aspects of maternal and child nutrition, empowering them to provide the best possible start in life for their children.
Over and above, Nakuru County is gearing up to launch a School Feeding Program under the Governor’s agenda, set to commence in February. This initiative aims to further complement nutrition efforts by ensuring that children receive wholesome meals during their school day, complementing the broader strategies outlined in the CNAP.
Commenting on the importance of the School Feeding Program, CECM-Health Rosleyn Mungai emphasized, “The School Feeding Program will improve nutrition indicators and sustain the gains made so far. We not only address immediate hunger by providing children with nutritious meals at school but also contribute to their overall health and well-being. All these initiatives align with H.E. Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for optimal growth and development among our youth.”
Nakuru County is currently engaged in a mid-term review of the CNAP. This evaluation, undertaken in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, and partners, underscores the county’s proactive stance toward refining its strategies and maximizing impact.
Several development partners have joined hands to support the team in critically assessing achievements, identifying areas for enhancement, and charting future trajectories. Nakuru aims to ensure sustained progress in realizing its nutrition objectives.
The CNAP, launched in February 2021, serves as a guiding compass for Nakuru’s health-related sectors, partners, and non-state actors. The plan is rooted in evidence-based practices and guided by principles of inclusivity and sustainability, embodying Nakuru’s collective resolve to prioritize nutrition as a cornerstone of development.
Chief Officer for Public Health, Alice Abuki emphasized the importance of the review process, stating, “The mid-term review provides us with an opportunity to gain insight into the trends of various nutrition outcomes and measure the output of our efforts,”.
She urged the team to maximize the best practices and identify areas of improvement to better allocate resources and prioritize interventions that will have the greatest impact on communities.
“We appreciate the support we have received from various development partners, Nutrition International, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Care International, USAID Tujenge Jamii that have been part of the journey that is now bearing fruits,” said Wangui Kihara, the County Nutrition Coordinator.
