Trans Nzoia County, located in the western region of Kenya, is currently in the process of developing its County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP) for the years 2023-2027. This initiative, led by the County Department of Health’s nutrition unit, aims to tackle malnutrition within the region, which is a significant concern for public health. The plan, which will guide the health sector’s activities over the next five years, focuses on improving nutrition outcomes across the county, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.
The County Nutrition Action Plan is seen as a critical tool in addressing the high rates of malnutrition, which has a range of negative effects on individuals and communities. During a stakeholders’ meeting held in Kitale, Lydia Kimani, the County Nutrition Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the CNAP in outlining the necessary activities and interventions to combat malnutrition. The plan will focus not only on treating malnutrition but also on prevention, which is seen as the most effective way to reduce its impact. According to Kimani, the CNAP will be essential in guiding efforts to promote healthy diets, provide access to nutritious foods, and manage the health implications of malnutrition.
The development process for the CNAP 2023-2027 has involved a thorough review of the county’s previous nutrition action plan, which covered the period from 2018 to 2022. Although the earlier plan was never officially launched, it provided a foundation for understanding the progress made in the county’s nutrition efforts. The review process aimed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the past plan, identify opportunities for improvement, and address any challenges faced during its implementation. It also provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of previous activities and helped inform the new plan.
As part of the review, the county gathered evidence through reports, photographs, surveys, and other documentation to evaluate the success of nutrition programs over the last five years. This evidence was used to determine whether the planned activities were carried out as intended and to make recommendations for refining future interventions. The CNAP 2023-2027 is designed to build on the lessons learned from the previous plan while adapting to the current and future needs of the population.
The new CNAP is aligned with the Kenya National Nutrition Action Plan (KNAP), which sets out key areas of focus for addressing nutrition issues at the national level. However, the Trans Nzoia CNAP will adapt the national framework to suit local needs and priorities. The county’s unique context, such as its agricultural focus and the demographic makeup of the population, will shape the interventions outlined in the plan.
In line with this, the county is also working with various partners to ensure that the CNAP is both comprehensive and effective. Organizations such as Action Against Hunger, UNICEF, USAID AMPATH Uzima, and Helen Keller International are playing a key role in providing technical support, expertise, and funding for the plan’s development. These partners bring valuable experience in nutrition and public health, as well as a multi-sectoral approach to addressing the issue of malnutrition.
Caro Chebet, the Western Region Program Manager for Helen Keller International, expressed strong support for the county’s inclusive approach to addressing nutrition. She emphasized that malnutrition cannot be tackled by the health sector alone, pointing out that collaboration with other sectors, such as agriculture, water, and social protection, is crucial to ensuring long-term improvements in nutrition outcomes. Chebet noted that for the people of Trans Nzoia, particularly children, achieving good health and nutrition requires a coordinated effort that includes not just healthcare providers but also local farmers, food systems, and other stakeholders.
The CNAP will also focus on improving nutrition outcomes by addressing underlying factors such as food security, access to clean water, and the promotion of healthy food practices. Education on nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet will play a key role in the prevention of malnutrition, particularly among the most vulnerable segments of the population. Moreover, the county aims to strengthen its health systems to better identify and manage cases of malnutrition, with particular emphasis on timely interventions for children under five years and pregnant women.
Looking ahead, the Trans Nzoia County government is optimistic about the successful implementation of the CNAP. With the involvement of various partners and stakeholders, the plan aims to create a clear path forward for nutrition improvement in the county. The goal is to finalize the CNAP within the next two months, following the validation of the review process. By implementing a comprehensive and locally tailored nutrition strategy, Trans Nzoia hopes to reduce malnutrition, improve health outcomes, and ensure a healthier future for its people.
