Gains in nutrition outcomes in Kenya

A few years back, child stunting in Kenya was estimated at 35% for children under the age of five years. However, by 2014 this figure had reduced to 26%, according to the 2014 Demographic Health Survey. This reflects significant positive gains made by the Ministry of Health together with supporting donors and implementation partners in Kenya.

Although many acknowledge that nutrition is often not considered a priority in government spending, in many countries, its impact on maternal and child mortality is giving it visibility and a much-needed focus. Nutrition interventions, especially preventative, can significantly reverse the rate of stunting – as seen in the Kenya 2014 DHS – but can also reverse the social economic impact of stunting such reduced productivity.

Stunting was not the only improved statistic: child wasting is also down to 4% from a previous 7% – a near 42% reduction. Additionally, the percentage of children who are underweight for their age also reduced from 16% to 11%. This was highlighted during the recent GSMA mNutrition Kenya Inception & Content Focus Validation Workshop, a meeting held to review the current state of nutrition, and to identify the gaps and national priority areas where mobile interventions can help contribute to the continued gains.

Anaemia also affects an estimated 55.5% of women and, according to the Kenya 2014 DHS, up to 30% of pregnant women did not take iron supplements at all during their last pregnancy. Iron supplementation is considered a key intervention, especially when it is difficult to control or to influence the consumption of iron-rich foods at the household level. Factors affecting this include availability, cost and dietary practices.

One key intervention in which mobile can play a role is information dissemination for behaviour change. While behaviour change is complex and requires tackling many social obstacles such as myths, taboos and traditions, as well as economic obstacles such as household income and supply chain challenges, nutrition behaviour change begins with awareness. Increasing awareness of good dietary habits, dietary diversity, and important supplements is where it all starts. Furthermore, mobile communication can contribute greatly to the cost efficiency and effective reach of such information to the households that need it.

In a later blog, we will share identified opportunities for mobile technology in nutrition (mNutrition). For now, we welcome your feedback and comments.

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