May 2012 Mission report Kenya

The second half of 2011 was marked by a nutritional crisis if the HoA. Wajir county in North Eastern Kenya was one of the most affected regions. GAM rates of 30% and above were measured. At the end of 2011, parts of the Wajir country (and other highly affected areas of Kenya) saw manifest improvements in the nutritional situation (down to 15% GAM) while other parts of Wajir remained with high GAM levels. This was explained by high levels of rainfall leading to flooding and therefore inaccessibility for food and nutritional interventions as well as contamination of wells leading to high levels of diarrhea. 5 months later, the situation improved considerably also in those flood affected areas. Nutritional survey results are awaited as to confirm this.

Advice on strategic reorientation (redesign) of the interventions (away from the stop-start model) was given to implementing partners. A dynamic approach of effective early warning and response and mid/long term capacity building is recommended. Integration with long-term Devco (health) activities is to be reinforced.

The security remains an important constraint in the region, especially along the border with Somalia