Bomet County has taken a significant step toward improving the health and wellbeing of its residents by unveiling a Multi-Sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Policy. This ambitious initiative aims to address the root causes of malnutrition while enhancing food security for the county’s population.
Tackling Malnutrition: A Call to Action
During the policy launch, Governor Hillary Barchok emphasized the critical role of nutrition in human health and development, linking it to child survival, physical and mental growth, learning capacity, productivity, and socio-economic progress.
“Bomet County faces a triple burden of malnutrition: stunting, underweight, and a rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. These issues are hindering our development goals,” noted Prof. Barchok.
The statistics from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reveal the extent of the challenge:
- Stunting: 22% of children under five (above the national average of 18%)
- Wasting: 3%
- Underweight: 10%
- Overweight: 5%, up from 3% in 2014
Food insecurity, poor dietary intake, and diseases are among the primary contributors to these alarming figures.
A Collaborative Multi-Sectoral Approach
The policy, developed with the support of Nutrition International, is spearheaded by the Directorate of Nutrition under the Department of Health Services. It takes a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to address the underlying causes of malnutrition.
Governor Barchok credited the invaluable contributions of stakeholders, including members of the County Assembly and other experts, who played essential roles in developing the policy. “With this comprehensive framework, we aim to enhance food security and reduce malnutrition rates while generating long-lasting impacts at the community level,” he explained.
Goals for a Healthier Bomet
Bomet County’s policy is part of a broader vision to eliminate malnutrition and establish a healthier, food-secure population by 2033. Key objectives include:
- Ensuring collaborative efforts from multiple sectors.
- Reducing malnutrition rates through targeted interventions.
- Empowering communities with resources and education on nutrition and food security.
The Road Ahead
The launch of the Multi-Sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Policy represents a pivotal moment for Bomet County. By addressing malnutrition’s root causes and promoting sustainable food security, the county is setting a precedent for other regions to follow in improving community health and development.
