The Trans Nzoia County Department of Health, under the nutrition unit, is preparing a County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP) for 2023-2027, aiming to address and prevent malnutrition in the County.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Kitale, County Nutrition Coordinator Lydia Kimani emphasized the plan’s significance, stating that it will outline the activities required across the health sector to combat malnutrition.
“This document is very crucial in the health sector, especially for the nutrition unit,” said Kimani. “It will guide our activities, including prevention, treatment, and management of malnutrition in the county.”
The development process of the CNAP 2023-2027 began with an end-term review of the county’s previous draft nutrition action plan, covering 2018-2022, which had not been officially launched. The review assesses the county’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, as well as recommendations for improvement, Kimani explained.
“Today, we’re gathering evidence through activity reports, photos, numbers, surveys — anything to show that we actually implemented the previous activities as targeted over the last five years,” she added.
The plan aligns with the Kenya National Nutrition Action Plan, which also features 14 key result areas, according to Kimani. However, the county will adapt certain areas to address unique local needs.
Partners like Action Against Hunger, UNICEF, USAID AMPATH Uzima, and Helen Keller International are assisting in the CNAP’s development. Helen Keller International’s Western Region Program Manager, Caro Chebet, expressed support for the county’s multi-sectoral approach to nutrition.
“The issue of nutrition cannot be handled by the health department alone,” said Chebet. “We need agriculture extension officers, social protection, and water sectors to ensure the people of Trans Nzoia County, especially children, achieve good health and nutrition.”
Chebet expressed optimism for the outcome, stating, “We look forward to a validated end-term review and a clear path forward for CNAP 2023-2027.” The county aims to finalize the document within the next two months.
