NYERY COUNTY 2013 LONG RAINS FOOD SECURITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

29TH

JULY – 2ND AUGUST, 2013

Assessment Team:

Sunya Orre National Drought Management Authority

Benson Muriithi Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries

Vincent Obondo Ministry of Education

Nyeri CSG Technical Team

Table of contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 County background ............................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Current relief operations ....................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Food Security Trends ............................................................................................................ 3

1.4 Current Factors Affecting Food Security ............................................................................. 3

1.5 Summary of Recommendations............................................................................................ 4

2.0 DISTRICT FOOD SECURITY SITUATION .................................................................... 4

2.1 Current Food Security Situation ........................................................................................... 4

2.2 Shocks and Hazards on Food Security ................................................................................. 5

3.0 IMPACT OF SHOCKS AND HAZARDS .......................................................................... 6

3.1 CROP PRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 6

3.2 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 8

3.3 WATER AND SANITATION ............................................................................................. 9

3.4 MARKETS AND TRADE ................................................................................................. 11

3.5 HEALTH AND NUTRITION ............................................................................................ 12

3.6 EDUCATION ...................................................................................................................... 13

3.7 Coping Mechanisms ............................................................................................................ 13

3.8 Food Security Prognosis ..................................................................................................... 14

3.9 ONGOING INTERVENTIONS BY SECTOR ................................................................. 14

3.10 Divisional Ranking .............................................................................................................. 17

4.3 NON FOOD INTERVENTIONS ....................................................................................... 18

35%

63%

2%Marginal

Mixed

FarmingMixed

Farming

Formal

Employment

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 County background

Kieni is composed of two sub counties namely Kieni East and Kieni West which are

part of Nyeri County. They comprise of 1990 sq. km of which 1026 sq. Km is suited

to agricultural and livestock production.

There are two main livelihood zones which

are: Marginal Mixed Farming (MMF) and

Mixed Faming (MF) as shown in figure 1.

The total population for the two districts is

175,812 (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics

Census, 2009). The County borders Laikipia

district to the North, Mount Kenya to the

East, Aberdare Ranges to the West and

Nyeri Central and Mathira to the South.

Land sizes owned by individuals vary from 0.4 Ha to 120 Ha with average being 2 Ha. The

income sources vary between the livelihood zones with livestock being prominent in the MMF

zones (contributing 77% of income) with others being burning of charcoal and sale of firewood,

poultry farming and small businesses (5% each). In the MF areas cash crops are prominent with

43 percent income contribution followed by livestock (23%) and small businesses (10%). Others include poultry faming (5%), formal employment (5%) and food crops (5%).

1.2 Current relief operations

Currently Kieni is not receiving any relief food. In the past, Kieni has received relief food assistance under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation with assistance from CARITAS

Nyeri as the implementer. In September 2011 to February 2012 (Phase V), March to August 2012 (Phase VI), 30,337 persons benefited while this number was reduced to 21,547 in Phase

VII from September 2012 to March 2013.

1.3 Food Security Trends During the 2012 short rains assessment both MMF and MF livelihood zones were both classified

in the stressed food security phase, with a moderate risk of falling into crisis phase. All health and nutrition factors are better or normal except MUAC which is on an upward trend after dipping

from 1.3 percent in March to 0.8 percent in May then 2 percent in June..

1.4 Current Factors Affecting Food Security

The current factors affecting food security in the district are:-

• Use of inappropriate inputs (fertilizers and seeds).

• Inadequate rainfall.

• Livestock diseases.

• Low soil fertility due to degradation.

• Frost that affects crops and pasture.

• Human-wildlife conflict

Figure 1: livelihoods proportions in Kieni

1.5 Summary of Recommendations

Food Interventions

• Food supplementation

• Vitamin A supplementation for the under 5 especially in the MMF zones

Non- Food interventions

• Construction of cereal banks

• Capacity building on post harvest management

• Form and strengthen marketing groups

• Upscaling training on fodder production and utilisation

• Upscaling livestock improvement activities

• Enterprise diversification

• Construct marketing yards

• Nutritional survey

• Training community health workers on maternal and child health

• Deworming especially in the ECDs

• Train communities on efficient and cost effective methods of irrigation

• Support to livestock disease surveillance.

• Promotion of pasture and fodder conservation.

• Human wildlife conflict management should be enhanced to mitigate loss of life,

livestock crop damage.

2.0 DISTRICT FOOD SECURITY SITUATION

2.1 Current Food Security Situation Currently the food security classification is at minimal or no acute food insecurity phase but alert

in all zones. The situation has moderately improved with pastures and fodder in good condition,

livestock production factors and prices of animals above long term averages and food prices above

long term averages but lower than the same time last year. Forage and pasture condition were fair to

good in all areas, livestock body condition and health were good while production and marketing

were satisfactory due to the off season showers up to July in most parts of the district.

The pastures are expected to last for a maximum of one and a half to two months in the mixed farming zones compared to a normal of one month, while in the marginal mixed farming zones

the pastures and browse are expected to last for one month as compared to half a month during normal times. Milk productivity is higher than normal in all zones with Mixed farming zones

producing 3.5 to 4 litres compared to normal three litres while in Marginal Mixed Farming the level was 2.5 litres compared to two litres normally. Milk consumption was at 0.8 and 1.2 litres

compared to a normal of 0.5 and one litre in the mixed and marginal mixed farming zones respectively.

Trekking distances to water points ranged from 0.5 to two kilometers compared to a normal of

one to 1.5 km in the mixed farming zones and one to three kilometers compared to a normal of one to four kilometers in the marginal mixed zones. Watering was at two times a day. FMD was

reported in MMF and this was contained through quarantine that is still in place. Other unconfirmed cases were reported in Solio area.

In the upper zones of MF zones, flood and frost damage that affected crop performance have reduced

yields of maize by 15% which has in turn led to reduced own supplies.

There is an upward trend in prices for both maize and beans which are above the long term average

but lower than same time last year. Overall the maize stocks in the district held by households are

depleted at 30% of the long term average. The district stocks are less than long term average by about

10 percent.

Households in the marginal mixed farming livelihood zone are currently consuming 1- 2 meals per

day compared to the normal three meals per day. In the mixed farming zone, households are

consuming two to three meals per day as compared to a normal of two meals. Water consumption in

the marginal mixed farming zone is 10 litres per person per day while in the mixed farming zone

water consumption is about 25 litres per day.

Crude Mortality Rates (CDR) across both livelihood zones is 0.050 per10,000 per day while the

Under Five Death Rates (U5DR) is at 0.3/10,000/day. The children at risk of malnutrition as

measured by Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) were two percent in June and 0.75 percent in

May.

2.2 Shocks and Hazards on Food Security

2.2.1 Rainfall Performance

The long rains onset was delayed by two weeks

starting in the third dekad of March compared to

the first dekad of March normally in the MF

while the onset was first dekad of March in the

MMF which was normal. Most rains was

received in the better part of April across in both

zones but as the season progressed, the rainfall

reduced. Spatial distribution of rainfall in the

MMF zone over the season was poor compared to

the normal with the zones receiving varied amounts of rainfall of over 80 percent, 50 to 80

and below 50 percent in other areas as shown in figure 2 Similarly rainfall distribution in time was

poor with 70 percent of the rains being received

in April only; causing floods especially in the Mixed farming areas of Munyu and Kiamathaga (MF) in Kieni East and Lamura (MMF) in Kieni

West that received more than 80 percent of their normal rainfall. In the MMF areas zones some areas received 40 percent less than normal rains a situation that led to poor performance of crops.

Cessation was early in both zones in the first week of May compared to June normally which shortened the cropping season and could not sustain crops to maturity.

2.2.2 Other Shocks and Hazards

Other shocks included frost that damaged both napier and maize. Millipedes were a major pest especially to potatoes while maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) affected maize mainly in the

Figure 2: Rainfall distribution in Kieni

MF zones. Floods caused by the excessive rains damaged crops especially in the valleys and low lying areas, as well as causing collapsing of toilets which has potential to cause water related

diseases outbreak. FMD outbreak was in Kieni West but it was contained through quarantine.

3.0 IMPACT OF SHOCKS AND HAZARDS

3.1 CROP PRODUCTION

The long rains season has importance in the sub counties because it serves as the supplementary season to the short rains contributing 30 percent of the food produced locally. The harvests may

not be for reserves but through piece meal harvesting farmers are able to shorten market dependency. However the anticipated harvests in the season may not even provide for the

anticipated piece meal harvest.

The three major crops grown in the district are maize, beans and potatoes. Crop production

contributes 43 percent in the MF zones while it contributes only 10 percent in the MMF zones.

Most of the income is from the sale of rain fed horticultural crops like onions, cabbages and

potatoes making up 30 percent of the total crop production contribution. Potatoes and beans

contribute 45 and 10 percent of income respectively. Maize contributes 20 and 60 percent of

staple food across the livelihood zones. Maize is the staple food followed by Irish potatoes while beans and livestock products are the major source of proteins.

3.1.2 Rain-fed crop Production Table 1: Rain fed crop area planted and production in Kieni East and West

Crop Area planted

during 2013 Long

rains season

(Ha)

Long Term

Average

area planted

during the

Long rains

season (Ha)

2013 Long rains

season

production

(90 kg bags)

Projected/Actual

Long Term

Average

production

during the

Long rains

season

(90 kg bags)

1.Maize 4,075 3,990 8,150 31,920

2.Beans 3,207 3,200 6,414 19,200

3.Potatoes 5,010 5,680 15,0300 852,000

12,292 12,870 23,6864 90,3120

The area under rain fed crop production was lower than the LTA by 10 percent due to reduction in potatoes crop planted as a result of lack of certified seeds, inputs and the millipede menace in

potatoes and MLND in maize that has discouraged farmers from planting . New land opened up near the Aberdares forest was planted with maize and beans hence the slight increase in the two

crops hectarage above the long term average. High rainfall amounts caused flooding in Kimathaga and Munyu locations leading to of 15 percent loss of an estimated area put under

crops. Production in bags of maize crops was projected at 16 bags per Ha but currently expected to be less than two bags per Ha in the MFZ and at less than two in the MMFZ. Production this

season was affected by cessation of rainfall at critical flowering and podding stages in May causing projected production of beans crops to reduce from 12 bags per Ha to three bags per Ha

in the MFZ and at less than two bags in the MMFZ. The percentage of farmers using certified seeds and high quality inputs stand at 20 percent with rest dependent on manure.

In the MF which borders the forests and the Mountains realized more yields (at least 40%) in maize due to the influence of micro weather elements like rainfall and low temperatures. While

the expected yield in MMZ may be negligible as the crop has aborted at tasseling and pod filling and tuber expansion. The millipede menace has been reported in at least five locations causing

havoc to various food and horticulture crops mainly in the marginal farming zones. This has led to farmers shifting from tuber crops to cereals and grass for livestock.

3.1.3 Irrigated Crop Table 2: Irrigated crop area planted and production in Kieni East and West

Crop Area

planted

current

year

(Ha)

Short Term

Average (3

years)

area planted

(Ha)

Current year

production

(MT)

Projected/actual

Short Term

Average

(3 years)

production

(MT)

1.Onions 375 400 3,000 5,200

2.Cabbages 506 650 8,096 10,400

3.Snow peas 155 215 620 500

1,036 1,265 11,716 16,100

The total area under in irrigation has been on decreasing trend following reducing levels of water

reservoirs and poor recharge by runoff from precipitation.

3.1.4 Maize stocks in the district

Food stocks held by Quantities held currently

(90-kg bags)

Long Term Average

quantities held (90-kg bags)

House Holds 515 1,440

Traders 3,823 4,525

Millers 10,573 10,758

NCPB 0 0

TOTAL 14,911 16,723

The long term average is higher due to episodes of bumper harvests in 2008/09 and 2010 long

rains during which there were surpluses that led to raising the long term average over the years.

In both livelihood zones the stocks are low since the expected yields have been affected by the

factors explained earlier which call for close monitoring to ensure any necessary measures are

taken on time. Most affected areas are Luisoi and Maragima, Thegu, Labura and Mwiyogo in

MMF and Gakawa, Githima and, lower Mugunda and lower Gatarakwa in the MF.

3.1.5 Traders and Millers The variation in stock levels is not very significant from normal since most of the times the

traders get their stocks from cross county trading. The total stocks differ at house hold levels hence negligible difference across the players. The stocks held may not last for a month. The

stocks usually last for less than two months.

3.2 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION In Kieni, livestock production contributes about 5% and 77% of the household incomes in the

mixed farming and marginal mixed farming zones respectively. Ninety percent (90%) of the cattle kept are mainly for milk production, while the rest are kept for beef. The Majority of the

farmers are slowly shifting to zero grazing in order to boost production through improved husbandry practices. The small stock and poultry remain the easiest assets to dispose.

3.2.1 Livestock Productivity

Pasture and Browse Condition Pasture condition and quantity is good to fair in mixed zone while in marginal mixed zone its if

fair to poor. Compared to the normal season, the situation is slightly better in both livelihood zones. Kieni East was hit by frost and strong winds over most parts of the marginal mixed zones

destroying the pastures. The pasture condition and availability is likely to deteriorate in the

moths of August and September.

In some parts of Kieni East, namely Lower Gakawa, Ichuga area, Gitero, Tigithi and Thegu the

situation is below normal. The pastures are expected to last for a maximum of 1 - 2 months in the

mixed farming zones compared to a normal of 1 month, while in the marginal mixed farming zones the pastures and browse are expected to last for 1month as compared to ½ month during

normal times. In Kieni East, Napier grass was greatly affected by frost (causing losses of up to 60%) across both livelihood zones. The maize crop is also not doing well in some parts of the

Marginal mixed zones especially in Kieni East district and this will contribute to livestock feeds since it will be converted to livestock fodder. Other sources of feed include wheat straw and crop

residue from beans.

Livestock body condition

The body condition of most livestock species currently range between fair and good especially in

the mixed farming areas where pasture and browse is available. The cattle’s body condition is

good in the mixed farming livelihood zones and fair in the marginal areas. However, in some

areas of Kieni East where the pasture is already scarce the body condition of cattle is fair tending

to poor. The sheep and goats are still in fair to good body condition across all livelihood zones

due to the availability of pasture and browse. However, the body condition of all species is

expected to decline due to declining quantity and quality of the pastures.

Birth Rates

Currently, the birth rates for all species are normal. However, for cattle calving intervals have for

the last 3 years remained longer than usual due to inadequate and poor quality of A.I services

leading to many insemination repeats. Poor husbandry practices and quality of feeds have also

been a challenge.

Milk Availability Presently, the milk production in most households in the Marginal Mixed Farming zones is 2.5

litres as compared to a normal of 2.0 litres. In the Mixed Farming livelihood zone, milk production averages 3.5 to 4.0 litres as compared to a normal of 3.0 litres. The trend of milk

production is gradually going down due to poor quality pastures and lack of resources to buy supplements and other feeds.

Milk Consumption Consumption of milk at present stands at 0.8 litres per household per day compared to a normal

of 0.5 litres in the Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zones. In the Mixed Farming livelihood zone, consumption average of 1.2 litres per day compared to a normal of one litre. The current

farm gate price of milk is Ksh. 27 in the Mixed Farming areas and Ksh. 29 per litre in the Marginal Mixed areas compared to a normal of Ksh. 28 and 29 respectively during normal

season. However, the retail price of milk in the shops is Ksh. 40 across the livelihood zones. The prices are expected to go up in both livelihood zones as a result of projected reduced productivity

as the pastures and browse availability declines as the dry spell sets in.

3.2.2 Livestock Tropical Units

The TLUs in the Mixed Farming areas average 3.5 while in the Marginal Mixed Farming areas it

averages 4.0 compared Normal TLUs per household of 2.5 TLUs for mixed farming and 3.5 for

marginal mixed farming. The poor households livestock holdings are as follows: 1 head of cattle

or/and 3 to 4 head of sheep/goat and 1 to 5 chicken which is 0.5 to 1 TLU. The medium income

households have 2 to 3 heads of cattle, 5-10 sheep/goats and 8 to 15 chicken which translates to

2.5 to 3.5 TLU.

3.2.3 Water for Livestock

The current water sources for livestock are rivers, streams and dams. The water volumes in these

sources are fair and declining. The current return trekking distance range 0.5 to 2.0 kilometers in

the Mixed Farming zones as compared to a normal 1.0 -2.5 kilometers. In the Marginal Mixed

Farming areas, return trekking distance is between 1.0 to 3.0 kilometers compared to a normal

of 1.5 – 4 kilometers. The trekking distance is expected to increase while the watering frequency

will reduce from twice to once daily within one month as the next expected rains will be by mid-

October. The frequency of watering will also be reduced across all livestock species to once per

day from current frequency of twice a day for all the species.

3.2.4 Livestock Movement and Migration There are no notable migrations in the district, except the normal movement of animals within

the district for grazing and watering purposes.

3.2.5 Livestock Diseases and Mortalities Confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) have been reported in Mweiga and

quarantine has been put in place to avert further infections while unconfirmed cases of the same were reported in Solio settlement and some parts of Maragima in Kieni East district. Other

livestock diseases common in the district include East Coast Fever (ECF), Anaplasmosis, Eye infections and New Castle Disease (NCD) in fowls. ECF is a common killer among the calves

especially in the mixed farming areas. There are no unusual livestock deaths in the whole district.

3.3 WATER AND SANITATION

3.3.1 Water Sources

Kieni is served by permanent rivers, springs, shallow wells, boreholes, water pans, dams, and piped water. The major perennial rivers within the two the area were Kariguini, Karuthing’itu,

Karemeno and Kamariki in Kieni West and Rongai, Wathituga, Nairobi, Thigu, Honi, Ewaso

Nyiro and Karuthing’itu stream in Kieni East. Above normal recharge levels were briefly experienced in all the four weeks of the month April.

There is high demand for water for irrigation which has led to over abstraction by farmers in the

MF Zone. This had resulted in significant reduced downstream water levels with potential for

conflict between the upstream areas and the downstream zones.

3.3.2 Distance to Water Points

In both the Mixed Farming and Marginal Mixed Farming zones, the average distances to water points had decreased from the normal range of 1.0-1.5km and 2.0-4.0km to about 0.5km and

1.5km respectively which was attributed to recharged water facilities.

3.3.3 Waiting Time at Source

The waiting time at water source in the Mixed Farming zones decreased to 5 minutes from a

normal average of 10 minutes, while in the Marginal Mixed Farming zone it remained to a

normal of 40 minutes.

3.3.4 Cost of Water

In the MMF livelihood zones where there was provision for piped water, there was no change in

cost as there was a constant monthly flat rate levy of Ksh. 200 per household after payment of

Ksh. 10,000 connection fee. In areas where piped water is not available, normally the cost of

water in the MF zone is ranges from Ksh. 2 to 3 while in the MMF zone is Ksh. 20. The

prevailing cost of water was Ksh. 2 to 3 per 20 litre jerrican in both livelihood zones meaning no

variance in cost for the MF livelihoods zones, but a drastic six fold drop for the MMF livelihood

zone from Ksh. 20 to the current Ksh.3.

3.3.5 Water Consumption

Water consumption remained at 25 l/p/p/d per household per day which were the normal in the MF livelihood zones. The MMF zones experienced an increased consumption from 7.5 l/p/p/d to

10 l/p/p/d which translated to 30 percent consumption above normal. Despite the piped water rationing due to reduced levels in rivers in the MMF livelihood zones there was still above

normal consumption levels.

3.3.6 Sanitation and Hygiene The current pit latrine coverage is 85 percent as a result of campaigns by public health officers,

but some have collapsed due to the floods experienced in April and the poor soil conditions. These formed a possible source of water contamination especially stagnated water pools and

dams and water intakes. There were no reported outbreaks of water borne or sanitation related diseases or discernible increases in diarrhea or typhoid.

Domestic water treatment practices include boiling and use of chemicals such as water guard and

Aqua tabs to improve quality of drinking water. Food handling practices include hand washing with toilet soap and washing raw foods.

3.4 MARKETS AND TRADE

3.4.1 Market operations

Currently, all the markets in the district are operating normally with no disruptions reported in the last six months. Most of the markets are found along the main highways which traverse Kieni

West (Nyeri- Nyahururu highway) and Kieni East (Isiolo, Nanyuki – Nairobi highway) sub-districts hence provide good opportunities for customers to purchase farm produce. In the mixed

farming zones, especially in West Kieni sub-district, onions are the main source of cash income for households. Other crops produced for sale include potatoes and vegetables.

3.4.2 Food prices

Maize prices

Food commodity prices in the region have

remained high since February. During the month

of June, maize prices recorded a 1.9 percent rise,

retailing for Ksh.. 42.37 up from Ksh. 41.57 a kilo.

Current market prices remained abnormally high

compared to 2006-2011 long term averages of

Ksh. 29.70 as shown in the graph below.

In Formal employment (FE) livelihood zone, a kilo of maize retailed for Ksh. 40.00 same as was

reported last month, while as in MMF and MF livelihood zone, a kilo of maize retailed for Ksh.

42.80 and Ksh. 44.30 in June up from Ksh. 41.50 and 43.20 reported in the month of May.

3.4.3 Livestock prices

Sheep prices The livestock market has also remained stable

throughout with no major disruptions. However,

Foot and Mouth Disease was reported in Mweiga

which could affect livestock trade if not quickly

addressed. The volumes of livestock traded have

been high because livestock traded, especially

shoats, in the markets is sourced from the

neighboring Laikipia district. Additionally, the

district continued receiving off-season rains in

June-July which enhanced livestock productivity.

The current price levels for all livestock species are

higher than the long term average in all the

livelihood zones. Sheep prices have been consistently higher compared to long term average

from last year. The high prices can be attributed to good body conditions of animals as a result of pasture and water availability for the last three seasons. The current sheep price is ksh. 4,250 an

increment from long term average by 119 percent.

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price (Ksh.)

Average (2008-2012) 2012 2013

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price (Ksh. / kg)

Average (2008-2012) 2012 2013

Figure 3: Maize price trends

Figure 4: Livestock price trends

3.4.4 Terms of Trade The terms of trade ratio slightly improved from

88 kg of maize per goat in June to 99 kg of maize per goat in July (figure 5). This could be

attributed to increase in goat prices recorded in the period. Average cereal prices also recorded

an upward shift though insignificant to make any tangible impact. A kilo of maize/posho retailed

for Ksh. 43.12 in the month of June a 0.3 percent rise from Ksh. 42.98 recorded in May.

3.5 HEALTH AND NUTRITION

3.5.1 Morbidity and mortality patterns

The most common diseases for the under five years are: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs), diarrhea, pneumonia, skin infections and intestinal worms. There has been marked

decline in the pneumonia cases due to the introduction of pneumonia vaccine. However, there was slight increase in diarrhea cases particularly in the month of March compared to same period

last year. The total cases seen at the health facilities rose by 167 percent. This is occasioned by health seeking behavior attributable to free health care services at public health institutions.

The most common diseases of the general population are Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

(URTI), rheumatism/joint pains, hypertension and diarrhea. There has been an increase in cases

of hypertension since January which could be attributed to increase in health seeking behavior.

In the month of March, diarrhea case rose by 100 percent compared to same period last year.

However, the situation is normal by the month of April 2013.

Crude Mortality Rates (CDR) across both livelihood zones is 0.050 per 10,000 per day while the

Under Five Death Rates (U5DR) is at 0.3 per 10,000 per day.

3.5.2 Immunization and Vitamin A supplementation Immunization coverage was at 81.6%which was lower than the previous year achievement of

91.5% but slightly higher than the national target of 80 percent. However, the Vitamin A coverage was 66% against the national target of 80%. The failure to achieve the national target

of 80% is attributed to low supplementation in ECD centers due to inadequate resources to facilitate the exercise. However, there was scaling up of vitamin A supplementation during

Malezi Bora month of May 2013. There are no variations in immunization and vitamin A coverage within livehood zones.

3.5.3 Nutrition Status and Dietary Diversity

The percentage of children at risk of malnutrition is lower than the long term average of the

season under review. However, in the month of June the percentage of children with the risk of

malnutrition jumped from 0.8 percent to two percent in July which calls for close monitoring of

the situation. The long term mean for the month is 2.5percent as shown in figure 6.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Kilograms of maize

exchanged for a goat

Average (2008-2012) 2012 2013

Figure 5: Terms of trade trends

In the marginal mixed livelihood zone, the main foods consumed by households including the children less than five years old are maize,

beans and potatoes. In the mixed livelihood zone the diets of the children under-five

includes pumpkins and green vegetables in addition to the maize, beans and potatoes. In

the marginal mixed livelihood zones a leaf of kales is Ksh. 20 which is prohibitively high

and therefore limiting accessibility to the kales.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is practiced

for one to two months after which

complementary food is introduced.

Impediments to EBF are postnatal mothers

resuming too early, a times within two weeks

for casual labourers so as to fend for their families hence the baby is left home with the other

siblings.

3.6 EDUCATION

3.6.1 School Enrolment and Dropout rates

The enrolment currently stands at 40,612 which comprise of 33,895 in the 104 primary schools

and 6,717 in ECD 120 public ECD. This reflects an upward increase from 19,592 of term three

in 2012.Currently there are 10,360 boys and 9754 girls. This shows that boys’ enrolment is

higher by 3.1 per cent.

Enrolment in primary schools was noted to have increased by between 1.5 to 2 percent. This was attributed to early marriages in some agriculturally productive areas where girls as young as 18

years were dropping out and getting married. ECD enrolment in some divisions was over 98 percent. However, the attendance was affected by long distances with 2 out 10 ECD aged

children not attending school.

There was generally statistically insignificant dropout rate during the period under review for both boys and girls. Isolated pockets such as Kabati area were observed to slightly deviate from

this general trend by having more girls leaving School.

3.7 Coping Mechanisms Households in the region are reverting to coping strategies in order to cope with reduced food

access and availability. Some of the coping mechanisms employed by households included skipping meals, borrowing from friends and relatives, remittances, and ballast making so as to

cushion on their food needs. The coping strategy index did not change significantly from May to June. This change is attributable to escalating cost of living in the region as food supply is

getting diminished.

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

'at risk' (M

UAC<135mm)

Average (2008-2012) 2012 2013

Figure 6: MUAC trends

3.8 Food Security Prognosis The food security situation for Kieni is expected to be stable for the next one month up to the end

of August but is likely to start deteriorating into the stressed phase after that until the onset of the short rains in October 2013. Most of the water sources are expected to hold water for the next

one to two months. The forage availability is projected to remain stable up to the next rains depending on the extent of the off season rains, a situation which will also determine the

livestock body condition. Households’ maize stocks are expected to last for one month and thereafter households start to depend on markets. The MMF livelihoods zones will start

experiencing food deficit rely on market supplies which the traders are able to source form neighbouring districts or other production areas. Market operations are projected to remain

stable. Commodity prices are expected to remain stable as the season continues but will be moderated by high livestock prices. All these indicators need to be closely monitored as the

situation may deteriorate more rapidly if the rains stop followed by cold dry weather that may

damage pastures and fodder.

3.9 ONGOING INTERVENTIONS BY SECTOR

There were no food interventions in the County only non food interventions as listed in the table.

Medium to Long term Interventions

Division Intervention Location No. of

benefic

iaries

Impleme

nters

Impacts in terms

of food security

Cost Time

Frame

Agriculture

Kieni west , Gatrakwa, kieni

east and Central division

Capacity building &

Training on group

marketing

Munyu,naromoru

,kamburaini,kiamathag

a,

Gatarakwa,

mugunda

40,400 MOA/private

partners

increased availability of

clean seeds,GAP Price Stability

1.8M 6months

Kieni west

,Gatrakwa, kieni east and

Central division

Provision of

THVC

Munyu,nar

omoru ,kamburain

i,kiamathag

a,

Gatarakwa,

mugunda

15,000 MOA availability of

planting materials, food availability

1.6M 1 month

Central division Green

Houses

Central

division

25 Irrigation Increased income

from hort. crops

2.2M 1year

Central division Water harvesting

for crops

Central division

40 MOA Increased area under crop.

2.5M 6 months

Livestock

Kieni East Promotion of

rabbit keeping

Whole

district

150 Farmers,

MOLD

Improved incomes

& better fed families

1.1M 1 Year

Kieni East Upgrading of local goats

locations of Kieni East

division

300 G.R.A.C.E Africa,

NMK –MoALF

Improved incomes from improved

production

1.87M 2 Year

Kieni West

/Kieni East

Capacity

building on

better livestock

management practices.

All locations 2775

househol

ds

Farmers,

MOLD,

NMK, NRM

Increased milk,

meat and egg

production

0.4M Continuo

us

Kieni East Construction of a modern

slaughter house

Naromoru All livestock

keepers

MOLD Safe and inspected meat products

Improved marketing.

21.0M 1 Year

Education

Kieni

East/West

HGSMP

4,402,730

39 Schools 9912

Pupils

MOE Improve access,

retention

and completion

Kieni

East/West

Supply of

water tanks

6 schools

Water

Ministry

NDMA

Proper hygiene

Tree nurseries &

environmental

conservation

0.4M

Health

Kieni VitA & Zinc

Supplements

All 19336 MOH

NDMA

APHIA+K

Reduced morbidity

Increased

productivity

0.1M 2 sem

Kieni Management of

Acute Malnutrition

(IMAM)

Narumoru

Thegu Gakawa

Gataragwa Mwiyogo

Mweiga

410 MOH

NDMA APHIA

+K

Increased/improve

d food intake Improved

productivity

1M 6 months

Kieni IYCN Interventions

(EBF and

Naromoru Gakawa

Gataragwa

900 MOH NDMA

APHIA+K

Reduced morbidity and

morbidity

0.5M 2 months

Timely Intro of

complementary Foods)

Mwirogo

Thegu

Increased

productivity

Kieni Iron Folate Supplementatio

n among Pregnant

Women

All

14,708 MOH MOE

NDMA APHIA+K

Increased productivity

Reduced morbidity

0.1M continous

Kieni Food

Fortification and

Deworming

All

175,08

8

MOH

MOE APHIA+K

NDMA

Reduced morbidity

Improved productivity

0.2M 6 months

Water

Kieni East Purchase pipes

for Treffos

Kiburuti Mutitu

B W/P

Mwiyogo

Mugunda

360

HHs

MOW&I Reduction of

walking distance to

and waiting time at

water point

1.9M July 2012

– June

2013

Kieni East Operationalized of Guara and

Burguret

Kiboya- Wakariru and

Ragati Ebenezer

Boreholes

Gakawa and Githima

340HHs

MOW&I Reduction of walking distance to

and waiting time at

water point

11.9M Jan-June 2013

Kieni East Pipes purchased Narumoru and

Kabaru

locations

2,000

HHs

M.W.I, &

Community

To improve access

to water for various

communities within

the district.

9.1M July 2012

to June

2013

Kieni East and 225 M³

storage tank for

Ndiriti Aguthi W/P

Gakawa WSTF/TW

SB/ Child

fund

Provide storage of

water for domestic

and minor irrigation.

5.1 M July 2012

–June

2013

STATUS OF SHORT RAINS 2012/2013 RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTATION

Intervention

description/type

Location No of

beneficiaries

Cost

Ksh.

Implementers

/actors

Remarks

M F

Agriculture

Construction of cereal

banks

All 30000 60,000 6.0M MOA,MOW,

MOI

Halted

Capacity building on

post harvest loses.

All 8000 12000 0.6M MOA On going

Formation of marketing

groups.

All 30 80 0.4M MOA Trained on various

marketing tools.like

market survey and

planting calendar.

Capacity building on intensive farming

All 12000 8,000 0.3M MOA ,SH Good agricultural practices, efficient use of

irrigation water

Sensitization on

formation of marketing groups

,, 216 144 0.5M MOA 10-groups formed on

marketing of farm produces- ongoing

Livestock

Promotion of rabbit keeping for Improved

`incomes & better fed families

Kieni East district

150 HH 1.1M MOLD and Farmers

95% achieved and ongoing

Upgrading of local goats for Improved incomes

from improved production

5 location of Kieni

East division

300 HH 1.87M G.R.A.C.E Africa, NMK -

MoALF

20% achieved and ongoing

Construction of a

modern slaughter house

Naromoru All

livestock

keepers

21.0M MOLD 95% achieved

Capacity building on

livestock management

K. East &

K. West

1540 1235 0.39M MOLD/ farmers Ongoing

Water

All existing water projects

in the District

All

locations

3200

4210

7.0M

MOW&I

Funded through MOW&I

to cover 10 water projects.

Public institutions in the

District

All

locations

5000

2600

6 .0M

MOW&I.

9 Nox10M3 plastic tank

were funded through MOW&I for institutions

3.10 Divisional Ranking

Division Name Food

Security

Rank

Main Food Security Threat (If any) Remarks

Kieni East 4 Poor crop performance, Human wildlife conflict, Crop Pests, diseases,

Low milk yields ,High food prices

Potential conflict due to upstream water abstraction

Kieni Central 3 Low produce from farms Casual

labour on a declining trend, High

food prices

Low milk yield

Potential conflict due to

upstream water abstraction

Gatarakwa 2 Poor crop yields, Low milk yield

Frost, Quarantine due to FMD,

suspected cases of FMD

Need for surveillance

High incidences of early child

birth

Kieni West 1 FMD quarantine ,Wildlife crop

damage, Poor produce markets

Need for surveillance

4.0 RECOMMENDED INTERVENTIONS

4.1 Monitoring required The following indicators require close monitoring include:

• Nutritional status of children under five years old. • Performance of boreholes in terms of yield and levels of pans and dams.

• Livestock marketing activities • Human disease surveillance.

• Livestock disease surveillance.

• Pasture and browse situation

• Food prices

No food interventions are recommended for Kieni for the moment but the following priority

interventions were recommended.

4.3 NON FOOD INTERVENTIONS

Division Intervention Location No. of

benefici

aries

Proposed

Implement

ers

Estimated

cost

Available

Resources

Time

Frame

Agriculture

Gatrakwa,Kieni East And Central

Division

Water for crop production Up

scaling of

THVC

All locations

179,200 MOAL&F 33M Human resource,

transport,

June 2013 June 2014

Kieni West,Gatrakwa,

Kieni East And Central Division

Upscaling the timely

availability of subsidized

DAP &

CAN

All locations

ALL MOA 93M Technical staff

June 2013 June 2014

Kieni West District,Gatrakw

a,Kieni East And Central Division

Capacity building on

Good Agricultural

Practices

All locations

500 MOA 0.8M “ June 2013 June 2014

Kieni West

District,Gatrakwa,Kieni East And

Central Division

Provision of

potato seeds

All

locations

1000 MOA 16M Technical staff June 2013

June 2014

livestock

All divisions in

both Kieni East

and Kieni West

districts

Up scaling on

pasture and

Fodder

production,

conservation &

utilization

All All

livestock

keepers

in Kieni

MOLD,

NDMA and

Farmers

20M Personnel

Land

1 year

All divisions in both

Kieni East and Kieni West

districts

Up scaling Enterprise

diversification: beekeeping,

dairy goats, rabbits, poultry

farming.

All 80 MOLD, NDMA and

Farmers

3M Personnel Land

Vehicle

6 months

All divisions in

both Kieni East and Kieni West

Construction of

2 livestock marketing

yards

All Livestoc

k farmers

MOLD/

NDMA

10M Personnel 2 years

Education

Kieni East/West Upscaling of schools under

HGSFP

20 5000 Pupils

MOE 10M Personnel

Kieni East/West Income

generating projects

-School farm -Green houses

20 20

Schools

BOM,MO

A

4 M personnel 2years

Health and Nutrition

Kieni West

Gataragwa Kieni East

Central

Nutrition and

health education(imm

unization and health seeking)

Nutrition survey

All

100,000 MOH

NDMA APHIA+

K

2.8M 1 month

Kieni West

Gataragwa Kieni East

Central

Food

supplementation

All

8,000 MOH

NDMA APHIA+

K

6.3M 3 months

Kieni West

Gataragwa Kieni East

Central

Capacity

building of health care

workers and community

units

All

1000 MOH

NDMA APHIA+

K

1.8M 1 month

Kieni West

Gataragwa Kieni East

Central

Food quality

control

All

100,000 MOH

NDMA APHIA+

K

0.1M 3 weeks

Kieni East Extension of

Ndiriti Aguthi

Irrigation Project

Narumoru 800 HHs MW&I/N

DMA/Co

mmunity

5.0M Land and

Labour

2013/2014 FY

Kieni East Drilling of 2

B/Hs at Arimi

Kiamathaga and

at Wahiire area

of Aguthi

Narumoru 1700

HHs

MW&I,

NDMA,

Donor

Funding

and

Communit

y

10.2 M Land 2013/2014 FY

Kieni East Provision of

10 No.10M³ Plastic water

tanks

Health and

school institutions

in all

location

12,000pe

ople

MW&I/N

DMA

2M Land and

Labour

2013/2014 FY

Kieni East and

West

Installation of

rain water

harvesting

systems(Gutters)

Health and

school

institutions

in all

locations

12000

people

MW&I/N

DMA

2M Roof

Catchment

and Labour

2013/2014 FY

Kieni West Construction of

a new dam at

Mugunda

Mugunda 120 HHs MW&I/N

DMA/Co

mmunity

4.0 M Land and

Labour

2013/2014 FY

Kieni West Construction of

a new earth

dam-6,000 cubic meters

Kabati/Ngan

yuthe

300 HH MW&I/Co

mmunity/

NDMA

5M Land,

community

contribution

2013/2014 FY

Kieni East and Construction of District 90,000 MOA,NC 80M Human 2012/2013

West 2 cereal banks

and two 5 tone driers.

wide PB&ND

MA

resource

All Capacity building on

post harvest loses.

-do- 20,000 -do- 0.8M -do- -do-

All Formation of

marketing

groups.

District

wide

60

farmer

groups

MOA and

NDMA

1M -do- -do-