Kericho: Over 200 caregivers in Kericho County received specialised training on safe nutrition and feeding to improve care for children suffering from autism and cerebral palsy. The one-day training dubbed ‘Nutrition Awareness Day’ was spearheaded by a local community-based organisation (CBO), Arise and Shine, in collaboration with AIC Litein Mission Hospital.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme empowered parents and guardians with practical knowledge in nutrition, hygiene, basic therapeutic exercises, and home-based learning approaches. Addressing the caregivers at the Arise and Shine (CBO) grounds situated in Duka Moja area along the Kericho-Nakuru highway, the CBO Director Pamela Keno said the initiative is designed to empower caregivers with sustainable skills in nutrition and specialised care. She observed that many caregivers face significant knowledge gaps in supporting children living with autism and cerebral palsy.
Mrs. Keno highlighted a tragic incident in December last year, where a 14-year-old boy with cerebral palsy choked while being fed, emphasizing the urgent need for specialised nutrition guidance and safe feeding training. This incident spurred the organisation of the nutrition awareness day to prevent similar tragedies.
Laurie Saur Wine, a nutritionist from AIC Litein Mission Hospital, urged caregivers to focus on safe feeding practices and balanced nutrition to avert avoidable complications. She advised on providing a balanced diet of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and energy-giving foods, while also emphasizing the importance of monitoring the child’s weight and development.
Ms. Meg D’Amico, an occupational therapist based in the USA, demonstrated safe and supportive feeding practices. She instructed caregivers on proper positioning, sensory needs, motor skills, and independent feeding, recommending an upright sitting position to promote safe swallowing and reduce choking risks. D’Amico also advised on adjusting food textures to match the child’s chewing and swallowing capabilities.
Present at the event were Head of Rehabilitation Services, Kericho County Referral Hospital, Mrs. Milka Washuma, AIC Litein Mission Hospital nutritionist Gloria Koskei, representatives from the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), and teachers and pupils from Kipchimchim Comprehensive and Special Unit School, among other guests. The caregivers were drawn from the six sub-counties in Kericho County, including Ainamoi, Bureti, Belgut, Londiani, Soin/Sigowet, and Kipkelion sub-counties.
