Posted on March, 24, 2025 at 09:31 am
The government in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), the African Union (AU), and other development partners, has launched the Kenya Food and Nutrition Resilience Program (FNRP), a US$5 billion initiative aimed at transforming food security and nutrition in 24 arid and semi-arid (ASAL) counties.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) Africa Regional Director, Charles Businge highlighted the program’s transformative potential of adequately addressing the food insecurity challenges across the country.
“By strengthening local institutions and government systems, investing in public-private partnerships will ensure sustainability, and putting communities at the center of decision-making and implementation,” he maintained, adding that FNRP will ensure that vulnerable communities are not only fed but also empowered to sustain themselves.
Businge revealed that the program is set to benefit five million vulnerable people by addressing long-term food and nutrition challenges.
Further, the Director reiterated that FNRP is part of a broader Horn of Africa Food and Nutrition Resilience Program, spearheaded by the IFRC, Red Crescent Societies, and AU in the region to combat food insecurity in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
Additionally, Businge emphasized that the program seeks to address cyclical climate crises, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and severe flooding, similar to what was witnessed in 2023, where approximately 6.4 million people required humanitarian aid, with 5.4 million suffering from acute food insecurity.
He noted that while recent rains have provided temporary relief, many households remain trapped in chronic poverty and malnutrition.
In addition, he noted that the country’s low-lying coastline is also at risk from rising sea levels, which threaten fisheries and increase the impact of storm surges.
Businge, at the same time, disclosed that agriculture, which is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, remains highly vulnerable, particularly in ASAL regions that make up 80 percent of the country’s land area.
“Inefficient food systems, high market prices, and limited food supplies have worsened malnutrition and increased disease prevalence. The resulting competition for scarce resources has also fuelled conflict in some regions,” he highlighted.
He also explained that FNRP is designed to tackle food insecurity through four key pillars, namely, livelihood support and water,to strengthen agricultural resilience, improve value chains, and ensure access to clean water.
Environmental Sustainability for promoting ecosystem restoration, sustainable waste management, and climate-resilient food production; and Health and Nutrition to enhance healthcare systems to support nutrition programs in line with the Kenya Nutrition Action Plan and Vision 2030.
Others include Protection, Gender and Inclusion, Peace and Security for integrating gender-sensitive, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive approaches across all interventions.
Echoing these sentiments was the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Secretary General (SG), Dr. Ahmed Idris who emphasized on the importance of multi-sector collaboration, calling for joint efforts from government agencies, humanitarian organizations, the private sector, and community leaders.
“The FNRP is an ambitious program that showcases the power of partnerships in addressing hunger and malnutrition sustainably, hence our approach integrates innovation, indigenous knowledge, and technology to drive impactful change,” he stated.
Dr. Idris stressed that the success of the FNRP will depend on active community participation and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Additionally, he revealed that the program will focus on culturally sensitive and sustainable solutions, ensuring that interventions align with local needs.
The SG called on the media to play a crucial role in raising awareness and educating communities about environmental conservation, health, and food security initiatives.
Dr. Idrid further mentioned that the Kenya Red Cross Society has urged all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society organizations, and international partners, to support and scale up food security interventions.
“Together, we can build a hunger-free and resilient Kenya, “he rallied in his call to action, noting that with millions of lives at stake, the FNRP marks a critical step in Kenya’s fight against hunger, malnutrition, and climate-induced food crises.
Source: KNA