Report: Kenya among nations with alarming hunger levels

From left- Wairimu Wahome Country Director Concern Worldwide Kenya, Beatrice Askul Moe CS East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development in Kenya and Christian Schniepper Country Director, Welthungerhilfe during the 2024 Global Hunger Report launch in Nairobi. March 4, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Kenya is among 42 countries with alarming hunger levels, according to the Global Hunger Index (GHI). The report released Tuesday in Nairobi, has been tracking long term trends in hunger at global, regional and national levels since 2006. The report by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH), Concern Worldwide and Institute of International Peace and Armed Conflict was launched officially on October 10 last year during World Food Day. It says little progress has been made in reducing hunger since 2016. The report was based on four indicators; undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality with severity of hunger scale being weighed on low, moderate, serious, alarming and extremely alarming. The hunger situation is most severe in Africa, South of the Sahara and South Asia with climate change and conflict wreaking havoc across much of Africa South of the Sahara. This year, Kenya ranks 100 out of 127 countries, scoring 25 per cent and in South Sahara countries in 2024. It is followed by Tanzania at 22.7 per cent, Malawi 21.9 per cent, Djibouti at 21.2 per cent, while Comoros and Mauritius scored 18.8 and 12.8 per cent respectively in the low category. Above Kenya are Rwanda (25.2), Ethiopia (26.2), Uganda (27.3), Mozambique (27.5), Zimbabwe (27.6), Sudan 28.80, Zambia at 30.7 per cent in the same serious category. Somalia and Madagascar are in the alarming categories at 44.1 and 36.3 per cent respectively. Report says 34.5 per cent of the Kenyan population is undernourished, 17.6 per cent children under five years stunted, 4.5 per cent of same age are wasted and 4.1 per cent of children die before their fifth birthday. It says progress against hunger is stagnating or even reversing with progress towards achieving zero hunger by 2030 falling short. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki welcomed the report, saying it provides essential insights into the country's progress in addressing hunger and malnutrition while also identifying critical areas that require urgent intervention. "Your dedication to this cause not only informs our strategies but also empowers us to take meaningful actions that can transform lives. The theme of today's launch, "How Gender Justice Can Advance Climate Resilience and Zero Hunger," resonates deeply with the current realities we face," he said. Prof Kindiki said this in a speech read on his behalf by Beatrice Askul, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Community (EAC), the ASALs, and Regional Development. He added: "It highlights the intricate connections between gender equality, climate change, and food security-three critical dimensions that are interwoven and require our urgent, coordinated efforts." The DP said while the poor ranking represents a serious concern it is also important to recognise the significant progress the country has made. On tackling gender inequality, he said the government is committed to creating an enabling environment that uplifts women in agriculture through implementing policies that promote gender equality. "It is crucial that we actively seek to dismantle barriers that hinder women's participation and empower them to be leaders within their communities," said Kindiki.

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