By Meresia Aloo
Amidst rising cases of child malnutrition and hunger in Kenya, 62 children from World Vision Kenya-sponsored programs gathered to launch the One Vision Kenya Enough campaign. Their message is clear: urgent action is needed to address the alarming statistics and challenges faced by children across the country.
The launch of the campaign comes against a backdrop of concerning reports from UNICEF, indicating that in July 2023, 945,610 children in Kenya aged five to nine months required treatment for severe weight loss. Additionally, 2.8 million people, including children, were food insecure in 2020, with 704 children reported to be in need of nutrition assistance. The children highlighted the detrimental effects of hunger and malnutrition, including increased cases of child protection and gender-based violence, school dropouts, child pregnancies, neglect, female genital mutilation, and child marriage.
The children, representing various counties in Kenya, including Machakos, Samburu, Baringo, Kajiado, Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Turkana, emphasized the need for immediate action. They proposed solutions such as providing drought-resistant seeds, modern farming equipment, and educational materials on good farming practices. They also called for support in protecting the environment, including planting trees to prevent soil erosion and ensure sustainable farming practices.
Access to nutritious food is critical, as highlighted by the children, who noted that the lack thereof affects their physical health and ability to concentrate in school. They expressed concern that without adequate support, they may be forced to drop out of school and engage in activities to support their families, further exacerbating the issue.
In conclusion, the children urged the government and donors to allocate funds and resources to support agriculture, provide access to clean water, and promote sustainable farming practices.
They emphasized that investing in these initiatives would not only ensure food security but also improve the overall well-being of communities across Kenya.
The call to action from these children is a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address child hunger and malnutrition in Kenya. Their plea to the First Lady, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, and other stakeholders is a rallying cry for action to ensure that no child in Kenya goes to bed hungry.
