Embu: The County Government of Embu, in partnership with Nutrition International, has unveiled a food and nutrition security policy aimed at tackling the prevalent issue of malnutrition and stunting among children in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, recent findings from the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) reveal that 20 percent of children nationwide suffer from malnutrition, with Embu County reporting a stunting rate of 19.9 percent. This figure surpasses the national average of 18 percent, prompting concerns among health and nutrition experts about the long-term impact on children’s potential in education and careers.
Martha Nyagaya, Nutrition International Country Director, explained that the policy is being introduced in Embu because it is a food-secure county still grappling with malnutrition. She pointed out that poor dietary choices and a lack of knowledge about food combinations are key contributors to the issue. Nyagaya emphasized the need for strategic food distribution and trai
ning of community health workers to bolster the local health support system.
Veronica Kirogo, Director of Nutrition and Dietetics Services at the Ministry of Health, urged counties to align local policies with national strategies to address malnutrition effectively. She noted that child malnutrition costs the government Sh374 billion annually, as per a 2019 National Treasury survey, and called on county governments to actively implement nutrition transformation initiatives.
Embu Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo highlighted the county’s commitment to integrating efforts across various sectors, such as health, agriculture, education, water, and social protection, to combat malnutrition. He also mentioned the Embu Uji Program, a school feeding initiative providing nutritious porridge for Early Childhood Development Education learners, as part of the county’s efforts to support children’s nutritional needs.
