East Africa Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development CS Rebecca Miano in a press briefing at Ewaso Nyiro South Development Authority (ENSDA) headquarters in Narok presented the findings of an assessment on ASAL counties.
The report indicated a significant drop in the number of individuals facing acute food insecurity – from 4.4 million in February down to 2.8 million.
This remarkable improvement is attributed to the above-average rainfall during the March-May season, leading to better agricultural production and productivity across the region.
CS Miano also highlighted the improved nutritional status in ASAL counties.
Currently, an estimated 945,610 children aged between six months to 59 months require management of acute malnutrition, a decrease from the 970,214 reported earlier in February 2023.
Although there’s been noticeable progress, regions like Turkana, Samburu, Laisamis in Marsabit, Wajir, and Isiolo still report high malnutrition levels among expectant mothers and young children.
On a brighter note, Miano emphasized the enhanced nutritional interventions and improved food security, including the availability of milk and food stocks from the recent rains.
Despite the strides, counties like Turkana still face challenges, especially in Turkana South.
The assessment concluded with a proposal for priority response interventions spread across various sectors from August 2023 to January 2024, with an anticipated budget of Sh33.29 billion.
The proposed areas of focus include food security, agriculture, water, sanitation, livestock, health, nutrition, education, child protection, and peace and security.
