Best practices and lessons learnt for attaining food security in Kenya

Abstract

In spite of international, regional and national efforts and commitments, food insecurity in Kenya continues to pose a challenge to sustainable development. The enactment of the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy (Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2012) and Kenya’s Constitution (2010) would seem to broaden and deepen the country’s commitment to adopt a holistic and rights-based approach to food. This paper discusses policies and programs implemented by Brazil, India, South Africa and Malawi, who though in similar position as Kenya a few years ago, have managed to significantly reduce food insecurity. Key factors that contributed to success of these programmes in these countries include: political commitment, implementation of supporting legislations, ensuring social accountability, development of institutional frameworks and mechanisms for programme implementation, stakeholder participation for improved ownership and sustainability and programmes cost-effectiveness and affordability. For attainment of food security, this paper proposes that: Kenya enhances political good will and governance of the food and nutrition security sector, fully implements the 2012 National Food and Nutrition Security Policy, provides adequate budgetary support to the agriculture sector as per the Maputo Declaration of 2003, effectively involves different stakeholders in policy and program implementation, engenders all policies and programs beyond the agriculture sector, develops mechanisms to deal with cartels in the food chain and clearly targets the needy in the community.