The county government of Uasin Gishu County has embarked on an initiative to address child malnutrition and food insecurity through enhanced school feeding programs.
The County Department of Health Services acting Director Dr. Wenseslaus Kuria said the county was working in collaboration with Soy Afric Limited in implementing the initiative that is expected to have a positive impact through a structured school feeding programs.
“Providing at least one nutritious meal daily can be life-changing. It addresses hunger, enhances learning and contributes significantly to a child’s overall development,” stated Kuria during a multi-sectoral sensitization forum held in Eldoret.
On her part, the County Nutrition Coordinator AnnSusan Bett cited findings from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey that stated that Uasin Gishu has a stunting rate of 14 percent.
“Preventing malnutrition starts with early interventions, including nutrition education and awareness about balanced diets,” said Ms. Bett.
The 2023 Uasin Gishu County Statistical Abstract reveals that around 40,000 children are currently enrolled in approximately 674 public pre-primary schools.
However, many of these learners still struggle with hunger and malnutrition, challenges that hinder their growth, health, and academic performance.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from the health, education, and agriculture sectors in a collective effort to develop sustainable solutions for child nutrition and welfare.
The discussions also focused on building markets for local produce such as maize, sorghum, soya, and beans and ensuring the availability of quality ingredients for fish and dairy feed production.
Soy Afric Limited’s Winfred Kaptui led a cooking demonstration featuring fortified foods recommended for children under five, reinforcing the importance of nutritious meals in early childhood.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) survey report on malnutrition in 2022, globally nearly 45% of deaths among children under the age of five are associated with undernutrition. The majority of these tragic losses occur in low- and middle-income countries where access to adequate nutrition and healthcare remains a critical challenge.
By Fredrick Maritim
