Promoting And Advocating For The Implementation Of Article 43 (1)(c) Of The Kenya Constitution: Zero Tolerance To Hunger And Malnutrition

Abstract

This project as in its pilot phase 2011-2012, is anchored on implementation of Article 43 (1)(c) which states that; Every person has the right to be free from hunger, and to have adequate food of acceptable quality. The African Women’s Studies Centre plans to complement and support the implementation of the Food Security & Nutrition Policy already developed by the Ministry of Agriculture as well as other initiatives aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security such as National Social Protection Policy of the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Development. The project also takes cognizance of the many provisions in the new constitution that offer a new system of government where decentralization and people’s participation in policies and programmes is entrenched.

The main objectives of the project are: To review institutional mechanisms at National and County level in relation to food and nutrition security initiatives and Schedule 4 of the Constitution and make recommendations for mainstreaming into policy; To promote citizenry participation on development of food security initiatives in a Kenyan devolved system of Government as per article 10 sub-article 2 of the constitution. In addition to that, Article 174 of Chapter 11 of Devolved Government on Objects of Devolution encourages greater participation of the people in making decisions affecting them; To lobby and advocate for greater allocation of resources for food security initiatives by parliament and ensure progressive and timely implementation of Article 43 (1)(c) of the new constitution; To document women’s experiences in food security policy and programmes; To establish the extent of mainstreaming Article 43 (1)(c) food security concerns to the economic, social and political pillars of Vision 2030 and the achievements of the goals therein.