The Trans Nzoia County Department of Health, through its nutrition unit, is in the process of developing the County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP) 2023-2027 to tackle malnutrition and enhance public health.  

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kitale, County Nutrition Coordinator Lydia Kimani emphasized the importance of the CNAP, describing it as a roadmap for the health sector. “This document is crucial for guiding activities such as the prevention, treatment, and management of malnutrition in the county,” she stated.  

The CNAP development process began with an end-term review of the county’s previous 2018-2022 draft plan, which was never officially launched. The review evaluates strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, drawing on evidence from activity reports, surveys, and other documentation to inform future strategies.  

Aligned with the Kenya National Nutrition Action Plan, the CNAP will feature 14 key result areas, adapted to address local needs in Trans Nzoia. Partners like Action Against Hunger, UNICEF, USAID AMPATH Uzima, and Helen Keller International are actively involved in the plan’s development.  

Caro Chebet, Helen Keller International’s Western Region Program Manager, highlighted the importance of a multi-sectoral approach. “Nutrition cannot be tackled by the health department alone. Agriculture, social protection, and water sectors all play vital roles,” she said, expressing optimism for the collaborative effort.  

The county aims to complete the CNAP within two months, providing a clear and actionable framework to improve nutrition, especially for children and vulnerable populations.