Bomet County has launched a Multi-Sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Policy aimed at addressing the alarming levels of malnutrition in the region.
This ambitious initiative seeks to tackle the root causes of malnutrition and improve food security for the county’s residents.
In his opening remarks during the launch, the area Governor Hillary Barchok emphasised the critical role of nutrition in human health and development.
He highlighted how nutrition directly impacts child survival, physical and mental growth, learning capacity, productivity, and socio-economic progress.
“Unfortunately, Bomet County is grappling with a triple burden of malnutrition: stunting, underweight, and the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. These issues are significantly hindering our development goals,” said Prof. Barchok.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, the stunting rate among children under five in Bomet stands at 22%, above the national average of 18%.
The county also faces challenges with 3% wasting and 10% underweight among children.
Furthermore, the rate of overweight children has risen to 5% in 2022 from 3% in 2014.
Food insecurity, inadequate dietary intake, and diseases are identified as key contributors to these malnutrition statistics.
To address these challenges, Governor Barchok credited the support of Nutrition International, whose Country Director, Martha Nyagaya, played a pivotal role in the development of the policy.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Bomet’s Directorate of Nutrition, within the Department of Health Services.
“With the invaluable support of Nutrition International, we have launched this comprehensive policy, which takes a multi-sectoral approach to tackling the underlying causes of malnutrition and enhancing food security within our communities,” explained Barchok.
The policy emphasises collaborative efforts from various sectors to ensure improved food security, reduce malnutrition rates, and generate sustainable impacts at the community level.
Governor Barchok also acknowledged the critical role played by the members of the County Assembly and other stakeholders who contributed to the policy’s development.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the County Assembly for their essential role in this process, as well as to all other stakeholders who have generously offered their expertise and resources,” he added.
With the launch of this policy, Bomet County aims to eliminate malnutrition and establish a healthier, food-secure population by 2033.
By Lamech Willy.A
