Trans Nzoia County, widely regarded as Kenya’s breadbasket, is grappling with alarming levels of malnutrition even as it remains one of the country’s top food producers.
To confront the crisis, the county government has unveiled its first County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP), a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing malnutrition and tackling preventable diseases across all age groups.
Health officials describe the situation as a “triple burden of malnutrition”—a combination of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and a growing prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Statistics from the county paint a troubling picture. About 21.3 percent of children under the age of five are stunted, 11.1 percent are underweight, and 3.2 percent suffer from wasting—clear indicators of both chronic and acute undernutrition.
At the same time, lifestyle-related health conditions are on the rise. Data shows that 21.5 percent of women of reproductive age are overweight, 7.2 percent are obese, and nearly two percent of the population is living with diabetes.
County Nutrition Coordinator Lydia Kimani said the figures underscore the need for urgent and coordinated intervention.
She noted that the coexistence of stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies such as iron and vitamin A shortages, and increasing obesity levels threatens immunity, learning capacity, productivity, and long-term health outcomes.
Breastfeeding practices also remain below recommended standards. Only 58 percent of infants are breastfed within the first hour of birth, a critical window for boosting immunity and improving survival rates.
AMPATH Uzima RMNCAH/WASH Programme Manager Nobra Mutuku said the newly launched CNAP emphasizes collaboration across multiple sectors, including health, education, agriculture, water, sanitation, and social protection.
She stressed that nutrition challenges extend beyond healthcare and are shaped by social, economic, and environmental factors.
AMPATH Uzima Chief of Party Prof Sylvester Kimaiyo echoed the need for long-term solutions that address the root causes of malnutrition.
He highlighted the importance of school feeding programmes, agricultural diversification, and biofortified crops in improving household nutrition.
County Executive for Health and Sanitation Christopher Lorot emphasized the role of water, sanitation, and hygiene in combating malnutrition.
He explained that repeated illness, often caused by unsafe water and poor hygiene, prevents children from properly absorbing nutrients.
Strengthening referral systems to support vulnerable families and ensuring timely treatment for children with acute malnutrition are also key priorities.
During the launch of the CNAP, Governor George Natembeya challenged residents to rethink food consumption habits. He said it was ironic that a region celebrated for food production continues to struggle with poor nutrition outcomes.
He urged households to consume more of the nutritious foods grown locally instead of selling them and purchasing less healthy alternatives.
The governor described the nutrition plan as a structured roadmap that will guide evidence-based interventions, resource mobilisation, and accountability across departments.
The launch also marked a significant boost to health infrastructure. AMPATH Uzima donated medical equipment worth Sh14 million, including an AI-powered digital X-ray machine to improve early diagnosis of respiratory illnesses at Matunda Hub and surrounding facilities.
Seven computers were also provided to enhance the rollout of electronic medical records.
Health officials said the new equipment will strengthen service delivery and improve care for thousands of residents.
The County Nutrition Action Plan is expected to coordinate interventions throughout the life cycle—from maternal health and infant feeding to adult nutrition and prevention of non-communicable diseases.
It will also serve as a framework for partnerships, funding mobilisation, and implementation of proven strategies aimed at building a healthier and better-nourished population in Trans Nzoia.
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