Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha S. Wafula, has announced a resolute commitment by the government to eliminate all forms of malnutrition in the country by 2027. The announcement was made during a high-level orientation meeting for the Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE) project, where the urgency of addressing this critical issue was emphasized.
Expressing gratitude for the steadfast commitment of the Kenya Kwanza Government, the Cabinet Secretary stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle malnutrition, highlighting the importance of political will and prioritization. The government’s strategy includes providing fertilizer subsidies and revitalizing irrigation schemes to ensure a sustainable and dependable food supply for the population.
Collaboration was emphasized as a key component of the government’s approach, with the Cabinet Secretary commending the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in implementing the NICHE project. As part of this collaboration, nutrition interventions will be extended to beneficiaries of the Inua Jamii cash transfer program, focusing on households with children under the age of two and pregnant women, to ensure no one is left behind.
Aligned with the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation agenda, the commitment to eliminating malnutrition within five years remains unwavering. While acknowledging that high-impact nutrition interventions can address 20 percent of stunting cases, the Cabinet Secretary stressed the significance of multi-sectoral interventions to address the remaining 80 percent.
The high-level orientation meeting for the NICHE project in Mombasa was attended by esteemed officials, including the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection and the Chair of the Council of Governors, highlighting the government’s commitment to collaboration and concerted efforts.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that nutrition interventions are crucial for poverty eradication and economic growth. A multi-sectoral approach involving agriculture, health, and education is necessary to achieve sustainable progress.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, has been at the forefront of implementing the NICHE project. Through initiatives like the Baby Friendly Community Initiative, the government aims to scale up nutrition counseling and provide comprehensive training to health workers and volunteers, ensuring effective implementation and impact.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
