The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the British High Commission, the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank, has expanded the Nutrition Improvement Through Cash and Health Education (NICHE) programme to six additional counties. Initially piloted in 2021 in Kitui, West Pokot, Turkana, Marsabit, and Kilifi, the programme will now benefit vulnerable communities in Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Samburu, and Tana River.
NICHE is a social protection initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of children under three years old and expectant mothers through cash transfers and nutritional education. The programme is jointly funded by the World Bank, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), and the Kenyan government, with UNICEF providing technical support.
Speaking in Isiolo during the launch, the National Government’s Director of Children Services, Mary Goretti Mogaka, emphasized the importance of the programme in tackling malnutrition and childhood stunting in Kenya’s most affected regions. She highlighted that targeted households enrolled in “Inua Jamii” and the Hunger Safety Net Programme will receive an additional Ksh.500 to Ksh.1,000 per month, depending on the number of children, expectant, or lactating mothers in the household.
“The choice of counties for NICHE expansion was based on data showing high levels of malnutrition and stunting,” Mogaka stated. “Through cash support and robust nutritional education by Community Health Promoters, we aim to cushion vulnerable populations from extreme poverty and diseases.”
Isiolo Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa hailed the expansion as a game-changer in improving childhood development. “The first 36 months of a child’s life are critical in determining their future health and academic performance. NICHE will ensure children from needy households get proper nutrition,” he said.
In addition to nutrition support, the programme also incorporates a positive parenting component to guide parents in raising their children effectively.
Eduarda Mendonca Gray, Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission to Kenya, reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to Kenya’s social protection initiatives, noting that Britain has invested £4 million in NICHE and £116 million in the Hunger Safety Net Programme since 2007, benefiting 133,000 households.
UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist, Dr. George Kinyanjui, emphasized the long-term benefits of early childhood investment, stating that improved nutrition contributes to national development.
With growing calls to scale NICHE to more counties, stakeholders hope the programme will lead to lasting change in Kenya’s fight against childhood malnutrition.
