Nourishing Hope

West Kenya’s Health and Nutrition Drive Amidst Floods and Other Related Climate Challenges

The West Kenya region, nestled along the picturesque of Lake Victoria Basin, is a land of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. This region has produced esteemed educationists, engineers, political figures, and lawyers, showcasing a deep well of talent and leadership. As UNICEF, the County Governments of Kisumu, Busia, Homabay, and Migori, and Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) teams traveled through the counties, we were greeted by the sight of large trucks transporting sugarcane to factories, a testament to the prominence of sugarcane farming in Kisumu, Homabay, and Migori, where fertile soil and favorable climates abound. Crossing the Rivers Nyando, Yala, Nzoia, and Kuja bridges, we witnessed the dual nature of these waterways. The River Nyando brings life through the Ahero irrigation scheme, vital for rice cultivation and vegetable irrigation, yet also poses challenges with flooding. Fishing, in this region, is another cornerstone of life, with the lake’s abundant supply of Nile perch and tilapia forming a crucial part of the local diet and economy. This region’s natural wealth is truly a blessing.

Despite its agricultural potential, the Lake Basin counties face significant challenges. The region has been hit hard by perennial flooding heightened by the backflow of Lake Victoria since 2019, a consequence of climate change. This threat was heightened by the El Niño phenomenon during the October-November-December (OND) 2023 and March-April-May (MAM) 2024 rainy seasons, severely impacting food security, health, and nutrition. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall have disrupted traditional farming cycles, leading to poor harvests of staple crops like maize, rice, and vegetables. This has not only reduced the availability of nutritious food but also driven up prices and limited access for vulnerable populations. The influx of water has also increased the incidence of waterborne diseases, compounding health challenges in already vulnerable communities while schools and healthcare facilities have become overwhelmed, struggling to support the rising number of displaced individuals.

Some of the health facilities are quite a distance from the communities and as the teams navigated the areas of Pombo in Kisumu and Rukala in Busia by boat, they traveled over what was once solid ground, a place where children played, cattle grazed, and families cooked meals. The sight of beautiful homes submerged underwater was a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of climate change. Those who could salvage their belongings did so, while others were forced to leave everything they had known for years, behind. The situation in this region highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address climate change, as rising water levels in Lake Victoria are a stark indicator of its far-reaching effects.

The health and nutritional crises in this region have prompted a robust response from various sectoral stakeholders, stepping in to scale up the government efforts. Since May 2024, UNICEF, through KRCS, has been supporting the National and County governments in responding to the effects of flood emergencies through the Nutrition Floods Response Support (NFRS) project. Comprehensive nutrition interventions have been rolled out across Migori, Homabay, Busia, and Kisumu counties, including strengthening nutrition response coordination at county and sub-county levels for a cohesive and effective approach. Bi-weekly nutrition outreach services at 35 flood nutrition sites have provided critical treatment for malnourished children and pregnant and lactating mothers. Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition in Emergency (MIYCN-e) assessments, including rapid evaluations, have been conducted to identify and address nutritional needs and inform intervention planning for the affected communities. Public awareness campaigns have been enhanced through 406 radio spots and dialogues with 128,640 community members reached focusing on good MIYCN-e in emergency practices. Additionally, 525 Community Health Practitioners (CHPs) have been sensitized and are actively monitoring compliance with the Breast Milk Substitutes (Regulation and Control) Act of 2012. Family Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) interventions continue across the counties, and nutrition commodity surveillance ensures the availability and quality of supplies. These coordinated efforts aim to mitigate the health and nutritional crises impacting these communities.

As part of this initiative, the teams embarked on a comprehensive joint monitoring mission across the four counties. The journey began with courtesy calls to the county health leadership, where roundtable discussions focused on the project’s integrated outreach coverage, performance metrics, best practices, and the challenges faced. These meetings also provided a platform for sharing recommendations to enhance health and nutrition interventions.

In Kisumu, the bustling heart of the region, the team made significant strides in community engagement. They sensitized 112 Health Care Workers (HCWs), 334 Community Health Practitioners (CHPs), and an impressive 19,426 caregivers on the Family Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) technique, a critical tool for monitoring child nutrition. Visits to the Ahero County Referral Hospital and outreach sites in Ombaka highlighted the project’s impact, with the team witnessing firsthand the resilience of communities coping with the aftermath of flooding.

Busia County, a vibrant melting pot where Kenya meets Uganda, was another focal point of the mission. Here, 33 HCWs, 256 CHPs, and 5,083 caregivers were trained in essential health and nutrition practices. The team engaged with the community at an outreach site serving Khumwanda camp, where displaced families have sought refuge. Traveling by boat to the Rukala dispensary, they observed the challenges faced by these isolated communities and the critical role of CHPs in implementing the Family MUAC initiative as well as enhancing referrals and defaulter tracing for the various critical mother and child-centered services.

Homabay County, renowned for its lush sugarcane plantations and the scenic Ruma National Park, saw the training of 54 HCWs, 607 CHPs, and 5,012 caregivers. At Simbi Primary School, the team participated in a community dialogue on food safety and hygiene, engaging with residents of Simbi village. These conversations underscored the importance of education in fostering healthy practices and preventing malnutrition.

The journey concluded in Migori, a county steeped in agricultural heritage and known for its vibrant markets and gold mining activities. To enhance the MIYCN-e in emergency capacities, the project supported sensitization of 50 CHPs in Migori, in addition to 5 HCWs and 100 CHPs in Kisumu, 50 HCWs and 87 CHPs in Busia, and 44 HCWs and 72 CHPs in Homabay. Across these counties, the MIYCN-e initiative reached 1,590 children under 59 months, including 610 in Kisumu, 541 in Busia, and 439 in Homabay.

The Community Engagement and Accountability Approach (CEAA) implemented by KRCS, with support from UNICEF, ensures that every voice in the flood-affected counties of West Kenya is heard and every concern addressed. The initiative includes a dedicated toll-free line (0800720577) for feedback and complaints, feedback desks at outreach events staffed by KRCS volunteers and CHPs, and direct feedback channels through KRCS project staff, community leaders, and branches. Volunteers collect additional feedback through random interactions and forms. Community review meetings and sensitization efforts maintain a continuous feedback loop, keeping the community informed about available mechanisms. Household visits by CHPs address health matters, while focus group discussions and rapid pro messages provide critical information to flood-affected communities. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials further disseminate vital health and nutrition messages. Community members can also visit branch offices to provide feedback, with an email address (complaints@redcross.ke) available for sensitive issues. This comprehensive approach ensures timely and effective responses, enhancing the quality of services for communities in need.

Through these joined efforts, the KRCS, with UNICEF’s support, has provided relief and a foundation for long-term resilience and recovery. By empowering communities with knowledge and resources, they are helping to rebuild lives with dignity and hope. The story of West Kenya region is one of transformation, where each step taken by the teams contributes to a brighter, healthier future for all.

Grace Waigumo

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