Nutrition stakeholders in Mandera County have concluded the final review and validation of the County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP), marking a significant step toward improving the health and well-being of residents through coordinated, evidence-based nutrition interventions.
The meeting, held in Elwak, brought together representatives from the County Government of Mandera, the Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA), Concern Worldwide, and other key development partners under the HANAANO Project, funded by Irish Aid.
According to officials, the CNAP provides a five-year roadmap for strengthening nutrition governance, scaling up interventions to combat malnutrition, and ensuring that nutrition priorities are fully integrated into county development planning.
The County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP) is a localised framework that translates Kenya’s national nutrition policies into county-specific priorities.
It outlines strategies for improving nutrition outcomes through coordinated action by both government and non-state actors.
Key focus areas of the Mandera CNAP include:
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Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN): Promoting exclusive breastfeeding, improved complementary feeding, and maternal dietary diversity.
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Management of Acute Malnutrition: Strengthening community-based screening, treatment, and referral systems to reduce child malnutrition and mortality.
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Food Security and Livelihoods: Enhancing household resilience through sustainable agriculture, livestock diversification, and climate-smart food systems.
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Micronutrient Supplementation and Fortification: Expanding access to essential vitamins and minerals, particularly for women and children.
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Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Integrating clean water and sanitation initiatives with nutrition programming to prevent disease-related malnutrition.
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Capacity Building and Governance: Strengthening institutional leadership, data systems, and community engagement for sustained nutrition gains.
The HANAANO Project, implemented by RACIDA and Concern Worldwide, has been instrumental in supporting Mandera County’s nutrition agenda.
Through funding from Irish Aid, the project facilitates collaboration among government departments, NGOs, and local communities to ensure that nutrition interventions are sustainable and inclusive.
Mandera County has faced persistent challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among children under five.
The CNAP aims to address these challenges holistically by bringing together actors from health, agriculture, education, and social protection sectors under a unified vision.
Once fully adopted, the CNAP will guide resource mobilisation, program implementation, and progress tracking across all sub-counties, helping Mandera move closer to achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 2 — Zero Hunger.
With the CNAP now finalised, Mandera County is poised to make significant strides in improving nutrition outcomes and promoting healthier, more resilient communities across the region.