Marsabit County First Lady and county first ladies association chairlady Alamitu Jattani, Concern Worldwide Kenya country director Wairimu Munyinyi, East Africa community affairs cabinet secretary Beatrice Askul, Welt Hunger Hilfe country director Christian Schniepper lead other officials during the launch of Global Hunger Index report 2024 at Fairmont the Norfolk hotel, Nairobi on March 4, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI
A new 2024 report by Global Hunger Index has revealed that undernourishment in children has increased over the years, from 30 per cent to 34.5 per cent in 2024.
The launch of the report took place at Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The Global Hunger Index report was themed: How gender justice can advance climate resilience and zero hunger."
The report underscored four key issues regarding global hunger in the country, which are undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and mortality.
Under the issues highlighted, undernourishment in children was noted to have increased over the years.
According to the report, child stunting, wasting and mortality rates have dropped.
East African Community ASALs and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul said the theme resonates deeply with the current realities.
According to Askul, there is a serious level of hunger in the country as Kenya ranks extremely low compared to the 127 countries.
The CS also spoke of the role of women in agriculture, saying they have been neglected yet they contribute to about 50 per cent of the agricultural workforce in Kenya.
She reiterated the goal of hunger free Kenya, outlining the importance of gender equality in the process.
Additionally, she stated that a lot of work lies ahead for everyone to achieve the goal of a hunger-free Kenya, considering the serious issues of hunger countrywide.
The Country Director of Welt Hunger Hilfe, Christian Schniepper, shared his insights on the economic, environmental, and climatic impacts on hunger levels in Kenya.
He said conflicts in East Africa among Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia cause recurring humanitarian problems that hinder progress in the program.
He spoke of the climatic impact, stating that drought has led to scarcity of food production in the country, especially for subsistence use.
"We have food systems in Kenya that are relying on rainfall agriculture. Only 18 per cent of Kenya receives sufficient rainfall, the rest would need substantial investments into irrigation systems," he said.
On his part, Hassan Olow, Concern Worldwide programs director, spoke about gender justice as the cornerstone of climate Resilience and Food security worldwide.
"We need to ensure equal representation of genders in decision-making, social protection and recognition of women in the industry at different fields," he said.
He further noted that despite existing challenges, they have made progress in various countries like Mozambique, Nepal, Somalia, Togo and Bangladesh.
