From Engagement to Impact: A Snapshot of Our Month in Kenya

As we wrap up another impactful month, we’re excited to share some highlights from our work in Kenya! From community engagement to successful program launches, here’s a glimpse into the incredible moments that defined our month.

Mental Health Day

Chronic hunger can take a psychological toll. A lack of good nutrition can exacerbate challenges with mood and energy levels, creating a negative cycle. To better understand mental health needs and the relationship between chronic hunger and psychological distress, we conduct mental health surveys in our programs.

Action Against Hunger Kenya joined the global community in commemorating World Mental Health Day 2024 across West Pokot, Baringo, Isiolo, and Mandera Counties under the theme “It Is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” These events, held between October 9th and 10th, highlighted the importance of fostering supportive environments for mental well-being, both at work and within the community.

?In Baringo County, the event was held in Eldama Ravine, with Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Dr. Musa Sirma (CEC Health Services), and Dr. Patrick Buruett (Director of Preventive and Promotive Health) participating. Discussions emphasized the value of self-care, early intervention, and structured mental health programs in workplaces. ACF also announced plans to launch mental health talks with Old Mutual and introduce a telehealth booth at its Marigat office for mental health screenings and counselling.

In West Pokot, the event took place at GK Prison, focusing on the mental health needs of inmates and staff in high-pressure environments. Psychosocial experts provided counselling sessions focusing on stress management and emotional well-being. The Deputy County Commissioner underscored the need to balance work-life demands, especially in stressful workplaces like prisons.

?In Isiolo County, we commemorated the day with radio talk shows, social media campaigns, and community-level sensitization initiatives. Supported by Action Against Hunger, Radio Shahidi, Waarges Youth Group, and Hopeful Minds CBO, these activities engaged the public with discussions on workplace stress, anxiety, burnout, and strategies for creating inclusive, psychologically safe environments. Community health promoters were trained to provide household-level mental health support and encouraged to advocate for supportive, stigma-free environments.

In Mandera County, we organized a session with a mental wellness expert who spoke about the negative effects of stress and depression among schoolchildren. The session stressed the crucial role of teachers in identifying students struggling with mental health challenges. It emphasized the need to build supportive school environments to promote the well-being of students and teachers.

These celebrations align with ACF’s global strategy of addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition by integrating mental health and psychosocial support into its programs. ACF remains committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering supportive workplaces and communities, ensuring individuals are empowered to cope with stress, realize their abilities, and contribute to society.

International Day of the Girl Child

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On October 11, 2024, in Mandera and Isiolo Counties, Action Against Hunger joined partners to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child under the theme “Girls' Vision for the Future.” These events aimed to raise awareness about the unique challenges girls face, especially in marginalized communities, and promote girls' education, leadership, and well-being.

In Mandera County, the event occurred at Kamor Girls Secondary School in collaboration with the Department of Women Empowerment and Affirmative Action and Save the Children. The ceremony, led by Her Excellency Madina Ali, the County First Lady, emphasized the importance of girl child education and highlighted mental health challenges that girls encounter in their pursuit of education. Notable attendees included Amina Hassan (CECM Roads and Transport), Farhiya Ali (CCO Women Empowerment and Affirmative Action), Fatuma Tiko (CCO Social Services, Special Programs, and Disaster Management), and Hon. Ahmed Rashid and Hon. Zeinab Mude, members of the County Assembly.

In Isiolo County, the celebration occurred at Leparua Primary School, where local leaders, community members, and stakeholders gathered to mark the event. Key activities included marches led by schoolgirls advocating for their rights, panel discussions featuring personal stories and aspirations, and cultural performances promoting equality and inclusivity. Both events emphasized the importance of increasing investments in girls' education, health, and leadership programs. Community leaders, media representatives, and partners pledged to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to address harmful practices like FGM and child marriage.

These events highlighted the need for continued partnerships to empower girls as future leaders, ensuring their voices are heard and their potential realized. With the support of leaders like Her Excellency Madina Ali and Dr. Emmy Cheboi (Baringo’s Nutrition Champion), and through the combined efforts of community action and government, we are building a future where girls can thrive and lead. Together, we can overcome challenges such as limited education access, gender inequality, and harmful cultural practices, fostering a society that supports every girl's well-being and aspirations.

Global Handwashing Day

On 15th October, the world celebrated Global Handwashing Day, an annual reminder of the importance of proper hand hygiene in preventing disease and improving health outcomes. This year, Isiolo County marked the occasion in Korbesa, Merti Sub-County, with a vibrant event organized by the Department of Public Health and Sanitation in partnership with Action Against Hunger and other partners.

Under the theme, “Why are clean hands still important?” the event highlighted how hand hygiene is essential in preventing diseases, especially those transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Public Health Officers demonstrated handwashing techniques, emphasizing that washing hands with soap at critical moments such as after using the toilet, before eating, and during food preparation helps curb illnesses like diarrhea, which directly impact child nutrition. The pupils of Korbesa Primary School reinforced these messages through poems, underscoring the need to practice good hygiene to protect both individual and community health.

Key messages from partners stressed that water safety, hygiene, and sanitation are interlinked. Communities were urged to install handwashing stations, avoid open defecation, build latrines, and ensure access to clean water. Partners pledged to continue supporting WASH interventions both in households and health care facilities. Public Health Officers further encouraged continuous education on hygiene practices, noting that improved hand hygiene translates to fewer illnesses and longer, healthier lives.

The head teacher of Korbesa Primary School emphasized the need to extend WASH initiatives to schools and requested additional support to ensure pupils are included in these programs. Community members were urged to spread the knowledge they gained to their neighbors, ensuring these good practices ripple throughout the entire region.

This year’s celebration was a success, reinforcing that clean hands remain fundamental in reducing disease transmission and improving well-being. With ongoing sensitization and support, Isiolo County aims to promote better hygiene practices, ensuring communities adopt a holistic approach to health and sanitation that encompasses clean water, food hygiene, and animal hygiene. Together, these efforts will foster a cleaner, healthier future for all.

World Food Day

Action Against Hunger in collaboration with the County Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries and other partners, participated in the World Food Day celebration held at KALRO, Baringo County, Kenya. The event was graced by Deputy Governor Eng. Felix K. Kipng’ok under the theme: "Right to Food for a Better Life and Better Future." This theme resonated with the importance of access to nutritious food and highlighted the pressing challenges faced by those without adequate diets.

Known for its unique environment and abundant natural resources, including its lakes, Baringo County holds immense potential for agricultural development. The event emphasized the role of the youth in embracing diverse agricultural practices, taking the lead in initiatives across agriculture, livestock, and the blue economy to boost food production and security.

In their speeches, the Deputy Governor and the CEC for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Blue Economy applauded the efforts of all partners in tackling food insecurity. They called for greater support, particularly in addressing climate-related challenges such as Lake Baringo’s rising water levels and farmland damage.

Various partners across the county exhibited their agricultural products, spotlighting contributions to food security. Action Against Hunger showcased its agri-nutrition programs and food preservation technologies, demonstrating its commitment to combating food insecurity and malnutrition. The team highlighted nutrient-rich food groups, stressing the importance of expanding agricultural adoption to meet the county’s nutrition needs.

Action Against Hunger works with our partners in Kenya to increase access to clean water and safe sanitation, save lives by treating malnutrition, improve livelihoods by?helping farmers and herders deal with climate change, and prevent hunger by working with mothers to?start gardens?and businesses and to learn about health and nutrition.