This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
Published on June 28, 2021, a report by nation.africa highlighted the alarming rates of stunted growth among children in Northern Kenya, a region that has been plagued by malnutrition and food insecurity for years.
The World Food Programme's Representative and Country Director, Lauren Landis, expressed concern over the long-term impacts of stunted growth, stating that a non-productive population could result if timely interventions are not put in place.
Ms. Landis noted that while the number of stunted children worldwide has decreased from 255 million to 156 million over the past 25 years, Northern Kenya and Marsabit County have seen an upward trend in malnutrition and stunted growth.
Stunting, or low height for age, is an indicator of chronic undernutrition, caused by inadequate intake of nutritious food, frequent illnesses, poor care practices, and lack of access to health and other essential services, especially in the first 1,000 days of a child's life.
Kenya Defence Forces recruitment in Marsabit County in 2021 highlighted the issue, with majority of youths being turned down due to not meeting the recruitment requirements of 65kg weight and height of 5.8 feet.
The World Food Programme has been supporting the Ministry of Health in improving health and survival of children under five, pregnant and lactating women through health and nutrition systems.
Marsabit County Nutrition Coordinator, Immaculate Mutua, echoed concerns over malnutrition, calling for diversified food production and behavioural change among residents.
