Nutrition resilience program unveiled to tackle food insecurity

The government, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), the African Union (AU), and other development partners, has unveiled the Kenya Food and Nutrition Resilience Program (FNRP).

The landmark initiative worth $5 billion is aimed at transforming food security and nutrition in 24 arid and semi-arid (ASAL) counties.

Speaking at the launch, Charles Businge, the Africa Regional Director for the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), emphasized the program’s potential to bring lasting solutions to the country’s food insecurity crisis.

“This initiative will strengthen local institutions, enhance government systems, and foster public-private partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability,” Businge stated.

He added that the FNRP aims to support five million vulnerable people by tackling deep-rooted food and nutrition challenges.

Businge also highlighted that the program is part of a larger regional effort, the Horn of Africa Food and Nutrition Resilience Program, spearheaded by IFRC, Red Crescent Societies, and the AU.

This broader initiative seeks to mitigate food insecurity in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

He noted that the program is designed to address recurring climate-related crises such as prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and severe flooding, challenges that were evident in 2023 when approximately 6.4 million people required humanitarian aid, with 5.4 million experiencing acute food insecurity.

Businge acknowledged that while recent rainfall has offered temporary relief, many households continue to struggle with chronic poverty and malnutrition.

He also pointed out that Kenya’s low-lying coastal areas are increasingly at risk due to rising sea levels, which threaten fisheries and worsen the impact of storm surges.

Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris emphasized the importance of collaboration across multiple sectors, urging government agencies, humanitarian organizations, private entities, and local communities to work together.

He described the FNRP as a transformative initiative that demonstrates the power of partnerships in tackling hunger and malnutrition.

Further, he urged stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and international partners, to support and expand food security initiatives.