On 19th February 2026, members of the Busia County chapter of the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance (SUN-CSA) gathered at Chefwest Hotel for a pivotal chapter meeting sponsored by ChildFund Kenya. The meeting brought together civil society actors, youth representatives, budget champions, environmentalists and other key stakeholders committed to improving nutrition outcomes in Busia County.
The primary agenda of the day was the co-creation and adoption of a Terms of Reference (TOR) to guide the operations, structure and governance of the Busia County SUN-CSA Chapter.
Opening Remarks and Context
The meeting commenced at 9:43 AM with a word of prayer after quorum was confirmed. The Chairperson, Ms. Maureene Ayodi, welcomed members and provided an overview of the program to guide deliberations.
The Vice Chair, Mr. Patrick Ikwara, applauded the inclusive representation, noting the importance of a multisectoral approach in addressing malnutrition. He highlighted that over one million children in Kenya are affected by malnutrition and acknowledged that while efforts have been made, much more needs to be done.
Members were also informed of the upcoming World NGO Day celebrations in Kakamega, with Busia County’s event scheduled for 26th February 2026, encouraging participation and exhibition of organizational activities.
Overview of SUN-CSA
Ms. Maureene Ayodi presented an overview of the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance, noting that it is part of a global movement with a Kenyan chapter. The Busia County chapter has been operational for the past three years.
The outgoing leadership elected during the chapter launch includes:
- Chairperson: Maureene Ayodi (Baridi Kwa Baridi – Matayos)
- Vice Chair: Patrick Ikwara (Linda Mazingira Initiative – Teso North)
- Secretary: Susan Mutenyo (CSA – Bunyala)
- Treasurer: Mary Makokha (REEP – Butula)
With the executive’s term having come to an end, members agreed on the need to convene elections for new office bearers or re-elect the current team.
Official Opening by the Office of the County Commissioner
The meeting was officially opened by Mr. Benson Mwangi, Deputy County Commissioner in the Office of the County Commissioner. He sparked reflection through an engaging discussion on height and nutrition, linking it to the importance of adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life.
He emphasized that malnutrition affects cognitive development, immunity, academic performance and productivity, urging stakeholders to intensify community education on balanced diets and prevention of nutrition-related diseases such as kwashiorkor. He further linked nutrition priorities to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and encouraged household-level interventions.
Busia County Nutrition Status: Key Statistics
Mr. Kwena, Deputy Director, presented nutrition and demographic data based on the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.
Population Highlights
- Under 1 year: 31,318 (2.93%)
- Under 5 years: 134,996 (12.62%)
- Adolescent girls (10–19 years): 153,983 (14.4%)
At Busia County Referral Hospital, approximately 70% of mothers in the neonatal unit are adolescents, contributing to increased premature deliveries and higher risk of malnutrition.
Malnutrition Among Under-5 Children
- Stunted: 19,642 (15%)
- Underweight: 8,250 (10%)
- Wasted: 3,667 (2.8%)
Stunting was highlighted as a chronic condition that affects long-term physical and cognitive development and can only be corrected within the first 1,000 days of life.
Participants clarified that dwarfism is a genetic condition and not synonymous with stunting. It was also emphasized that both undernutrition and overnutrition (overweight and obesity) are forms of malnutrition.
Infant and Young Child Feeding: Critical Gaps
Key discussions focused on:
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
- Proper timing and practice of complementary feeding
- Responsive feeding practices
- Appropriate portion sizes
- Feeding every three hours
- Introducing one food at a time
- Limiting sugary foods
- Involving children in meal preparation
Participants acknowledged significant knowledge gaps among caregivers, underscoring the need for intensified community sensitization.
Survey Findings and Micronutrient Gaps
A mid-2025 survey among women of reproductive age in Busia County revealed that only 17.8% met the minimum dietary diversity of five food groups. Grain and starch consumption stood at 99%, but dietary diversity remains low.
Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS)
In 2024, IFAS uptake was only 12.5%, largely due to national stock-outs. Low IFAS intake has contributed to anemia and poor fetal development. Early initiation of ANC within the first trimester was strongly encouraged.
Vitamin A Coverage
Vitamin A coverage in Busia exceeds 80%, meeting national standards. The importance of consuming both animal and plant sources was emphasized.
Deworming
Regular deworming was identified as critical in improving nutrient absorption and supporting growth and immunity.
County Priorities and Emerging Interventions
Key priorities highlighted by the County Nutrition Team include:
- Dissemination of the County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP)
- Operationalization of lactation stations, including at Soko Posta Market
- Scaling up Family MUAC for early malnutrition detection
- Promoting food storage practices to enhance year-round food security
- Raising awareness on nutrition and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Teenage pregnancy was identified as a growing concern, with calls for integrated service centers offering health, psychosocial and protection services under one roof.
Adoption of the Terms of Reference (TOR)
The proposed TOR for the Busia SUN-CSA Chapter was presented, reviewed and unanimously adopted after member contributions and amendments. The TOR will take effect upon registration of new members and establishment of new leadership.
Way Forward
Members agreed on the following action points:
- Strengthen social and behavioral change advocacy.
- Promote justice for teenage mothers.
- Support child rights clubs.
- Develop and translate nutrition IEC materials into local languages.
- Develop a comprehensive action plan.
- Strategize for an MOU with the County Government.
- Diversify resource mobilization.
- Enhance male and boys’ involvement in nutrition decisions.
- Disseminate CNAP to members.
- Follow up on operationalization of the Soko Posta Market crèche.
- Register new member organizations (Kshs. 1,000 registration fee).
- Convene leadership elections.
- Engage Child Fund on potential continued support.
Strengthening Collaboration for Impact
Members were encouraged to integrate nutrition into existing programs. A notable example shared was Baridi Kwa Baridi’s support to ECDE schools in Bukhayo West through kitchen gardens and indigenous vegetable seeds.
It was also announced that ADSOCK, in partnership with AICCAD, plans to adopt ECDEs in Nambale to establish kitchen gardens and provide indigenous vegetables.
The Vice Chair invited members to participate in a mentorship program on health, hygiene and environmental conservation targeting 250 children at Lwatama ACK Church.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded at 4:20 PM with a word of prayer. Members expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit demonstrated in co-creating the TOR and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening nutrition advocacy in Busia County.
As SUN-CSA Busia Chapter transitions into a new leadership phase, the collective focus remains clear: improving nutrition outcomes through multisectoral collaboration, community education and sustainable interventions.
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