Residents of Isiolo County are appealing for relief food, to address malnutrition cases among young children and lactating mothers following the suspension of USAID-funded programmes.
The affected communities are calling upon humanitarian organizations and the government, to intervene as they face food insecurity.
A field officer working with the Nawiri Mashinani program, Mr. Bakasa Abdi, said that malnutrition levels had significantly reduced from 90 to 20 per cent due to the intervention of USAID-funded programmes.
He said that with the termination of US Agency for International Development (USAID) activities in Kenya, the action has rapidly and negatively affected the nutritional situation for residents who depended on food support.
Mr. Abdi emphasized on the importance of continued awareness programs on proper nutrition, to prevent further deterioration in health conditions.
A recent SMART survey conducted in 2024 indicated a slight decrease in malnutrition levels from 15.4 in 2023 to 13.7 per cent in 2024 during the implementation of USAID programs. However, with the suspension, local health officials fear a sharp rise in cases of malnutrition.
Mr. Abdi and other community leaders are calling for immediate intervention, urging well-wishers, NGOs, and the National Government to provide relief food and resume financial support for affected families.
“If no action is taken, the situation will only get worse,” Abdi warned.
Residents from areas such as Dakiye, Korbesa, and Biliqi among others who previously benefited from monthly food aid and cash transfers under the Nawiri program expressed distress over the current situation.
“We used to receive support through food distribution, cash transfers, and even livestock feeds, which helped us sustain our families,” said Mohammed Duba, a resident of Dakiye.
“Now, many mothers and children are suffering, with visible signs of malnutrition,” he added.
Mr. Duba said the discontinuation of the program has left many people vulnerable, particularly pregnant and lactating mothers who benefited from nutritional education and the resources provided by the initiative.
He observed that the situation has prompted an urgent appeal to both government and the other Non-Governmental Organizations, to step in and revive similar nutrition-focused initiatives.
By Kanana Brenda and David Nduro
