COUNTY 2020 SHORT RAINS FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

A Joint Report of Steering Group (CSG):

Technical Departments1 and Partners2

February, 2021

1 Wilson Oduor, Alfred Litunya, Francis Koma, Pascalia Kaguara & Joel Mutiso (National Drought Management Authority), Henry Murage, Kennedy Mutati & Joseph Kamonzo (County Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Livestock Development), Lydia Mbeti (County Ministry of Health and Sanitation) & Mirriam Matheka (Ministry of Education) 2 Bernard Muendo (SASOL Foundation) i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The 2020 short rains food and nutrition security assessment was conducted by Kitui County Steering Group (CSG) with the technical support from Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG). The assessment took place from 11th to 20th January 2021 and the overall objective of the assessment was to conduct an objective, evidence based and transparent food and nutrition security situation analysis following the cumulative effect of the previous seasons and provide recommendations for possible response options based on the situation analysis. The analysis focused on acute food insecurity, but also considered chronic issues that had direct impacts on food security. The scope of the assessment in the county was limited to the Marginal Mixed Farming and Mixed Farming livelihood zones due to their levels of aridity and vulnerability. The assessment was centered on the four pillars of food security such as food availability, access, utilization and stability. It also looked at the contributing factors, outcomes and their effects on each of the key sectors of agriculture, livestock, water, health and nutrition, education, peace and security, and markets and trade. Interventions addressing the issues raised in each sector were identified. The assessment also involved collection of both primary and secondary data. The identified drivers of food and nutrition insecurity in the county were depressed 2020 short rains, COVID-19 pandemic and outbreak of Kalazar, increased cases of livestock diseases and deaths, quelea quelea birds and desert locust invasion, and increased cases of wildlife attacks to livestock. The county recorded depressed 2020 short rains which were poorly distributed in time and space leading to low recharge of water facilities especially in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone. This impacted negatively on rain-fed cropping area achieved and projected production. Cereal stocks held by farmers and traders were 69 and 77 percent respectively below the Long-Term Average (LTA) and the available household stocks were expected to last for one month across the livelihood zones compared to 1-3 months normally. However, livestock productivity was within the normal range and this was attributed to availability of forage and water. Terms of trade were favorable compared to normal and this impacted positively on household access to diversified foods. About 86.9 percent of households had acceptable food consumption score with only 0.4 percent of households having poor food consumption score. Moreover, majority of households consumed a normal of 2-3 meals per day. The meals consisted of mainly three food groups compared to a normal of 2-3 food groups. However, about 13 and 10 percent of the households were employing stressed and crisis coping mechanisms respectively to access food or money to buy food with 2.6 percent of children being at risk of malnutrition. Under five year and crude mortality rates were within the normal range. In conclusion, the indicative food security phase classification in the county is “stressed phase” (IPC phase 2) for Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone and “Minimal phase” (IPC phase 1) for Mixed Farming livelihood zone. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... ii 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 County Background ...... 1 1.2 Methodology and Approach ...... 1 2.0 DRIVERS OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY IN THE COUNTY ...... 2 2.1 Rainfall Performance ...... 2 2.2 COVID 19 Pandemic ...... 2 2.3 Disease Epidemics ...... 2 2.4 Other Shocks and Hazards ...... 2 3.0 IMPACTS OF DRIVERS ON FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY ...... 3 3.1 Availability ...... 3 3.1.1 Crops Production ...... 3 3.1.2 Cereals Stock ...... 4 3.1.3 Livestock Production ...... 5 3.2 Access ...... 7 3.2.1 Markets and Market Operations ...... 7 3.2.2 Market Prices ...... 8 3.2.3 Income Sources ...... 9 3.2.4 Water Access and Availability ...... 9 3.2.5 Food Consumption ...... 11 3.2.6 Coping Strategy ...... 11 3.3 Utilization ...... 12 3.3.1 Morbidity and Mortality Patterns ...... 12 3.3.2 Immunization and Vitamin A Supplementation ...... 12 3.3.3 Nutritional Status and Dietary Diversity ...... 13 3.3.4 Sanitation and Hygiene ...... 13 3.3.5 Health and Nutrition Sector in COVID-19 Context ...... 13 3.3.6 Public Interventions, Risk Communication and Community Level Actions ...... 14 3.4 Trends of Key Food Security Indicators ...... 14 4.0 CROSS CUTTING ISSUES ...... 15 4.1 Education ...... 15 4.1.1 Enrolment ...... 15 4.1.2 Effects of COVID-19 in Schools ...... 15 4.1.3 School Meals Programmes ...... 16 4.1.4 Inter Sectoral Links ...... 16 5.0 FOOD SECURITY PROGNOSIS ...... 17 5.1 Prognosis Assumptions ...... 17 5.2 Food Security Outlook ...... 17 6.0 CONCLUSION AND INTERVENTIONS ...... 18 6.1 Conclusion ...... 18 6.1.1 Phase Classification ...... 18 6.1.2 Summary of Findings ...... 18 6.1.3 Sub-County Ranking ...... 18 6.2 Ongoing Interventions ...... 20 6.3 Recommended Interventions ...... 23 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 County Background Kitui County is located in the lower eastern region of Kenya between latitudes 0o10 and 3o0 South and longitudes 37o50 and 39o0 East. It borders and Makueni counties to the West, to the East and South-East, Taita Taveta County to the South, Embu to the North-West, and Tharaka-Nithi and Meru Formal counties to the North. The county is divided into Employment, 4% eight administrative units namely: Kitui East, Kitui South, Kitui Rural, Kitui Central, Kitui West, West, Mwingi Central, and Mwingi North sub-counties. It is further sub divided into 40 wards and 247 villages. Marginal Moreover, the county has 18 sub- counties Mixed (formerly known as districts) and it covers an Farming, 44% Mixed estimated area of 30,429.5 square kilometers Farming, 52% with a total population of 1,136,187 people of which 52 percent of the total population are females (KNBS, 2019). The county has about 60.4 percent of individuals living below poverty line compared to 45.2 percent at national level. There are three main livelihood zones in the county namely: Marginal Mixed Farming Figure 1: Proportion of Population by (MMF), Mixed Farming (MF) and Formal EmploymentLivelihood, contributing Zones 44, 52 and four percent of the total population respectively (figure 1). Livestock farming (mainly rearing cattle, goats, sheep, donkey and poultry) is predominant enterprise in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone while crop farming is restricted due to harsh climatic conditions but not limited to green grams, cow peas, millet, sorghum and maize production. In the Mixed Farming livelihood zone, residents practice cropping activities as well as keeping of livestock though at a smaller scale. Majority of the population is found in this zone which puts more pressure on land thus people occupy small pieces of land.

1.2 Methodology and Approach The main objective of the short rains’ assessment was to conduct an objective, evidence based and transparent food security situation analysis following the short rains season of 2020 and taking into account the cumulative effect of previous seasons, and to provide recommendations for possible response options based on the situation analysis. The analysis focused on acute food insecurity, but also considered chronic issues that had direct impacts on food security. The assessment was based on the four pillars of food security such as food availability, access, utilization and stability. It also looked at the contributing factors, outcomes and their effects on each of the key sectors of agriculture, livestock, water, health and nutrition, education, peace and security, and markets and trade. Interventions addressing the issues raised in each sector were identified. The scope of the assessment in the county was limited to the Marginal Mixed Farming and Mixed Farming livelihood zones due to their levels of aridity and vulnerability. The assessment involved the collection of both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from the community through semi-structured questionnaires using Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and market interviews. The county technical

1 experts from key sectors provided both qualitative and quantitative information through filled sectoral checklists and sectoral briefs. This information was triangulated with secondary data sourced from nutrition survey reports, Kenya Drought Early Warning bulletins and sectoral reports to enhance reliability. Field observation during transect drives was also used to validate the information collected. The assessment exercise was multi-sectoral and multi-agency, comprising of actors from National and County Governments, United Nation bodies, Non- Governmental Organizations and other development partners.

2.0 DRIVERS OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY IN THE COUNTY

2.1 Rainfall Performance Kitui County experienced a timely onset of the 2020 short rains in the third dekad of October. The rainfall was characterized by poor temporal and uneven spatial distribution. The county generally received depressed rainfall of between 51 and 90 percent of normal across the livelihood zones with most parts of Mwingi North, western parts of Mwingi West and Eastern parts of Mwngi Central and Kitui East sub-counties recording 51-75 percent of normal rainfall. However, pockets of Kitui South Sub-County recorded 91-125 percent of normal rainfall (figure 2). Most parts of the county recorded 200-400 millimeters of rainfall. Cessation was late in the third dekad of December compared to second dekad normally. Figure 2: Rainfall Performance 2.2 COVID- 19 Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the county in various ways such as loss of income and livelihoods resulting from closure of schools and businesses, under-utilization of static health facilities, reduced health services like outreaches and re-allocation of resources towards efforts to curb the virus. Furthermore, even though learners took advantage of the COVID-19 holiday and got involved in menial jobs in-order to help their parents make ends meet, some delved into criminal and anti-social activities such as sex, drug abuse and alcohol abuse which resulted into increased cases of child abuse, early pregnancies and accidents for children.

2.3 Disease Epidemics In the period under review, 1,182 cases of Kalazar were reported in Ngomeni and Tseikuru wards in Mwingi North Sub- County. Moreover, there was an outbreak of livestock diseases with 2,386 confirmed cases and 39 deaths due to Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Kitui South, Kitui Rural, and Mwingi North sub- counties; 1,002 confirmed cases and 300 deaths due to Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Kitui East Sub-County; 308 confirmed cases and 94 deaths due to Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in Mwingi Central and Mwingi North sub- counties; 95 confirmed cases and three deaths due to trypanosomiasis in Kitui South sub-county, and nine confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Kitui Rural Sub- County.

2.4 Other Shocks and Hazards Desert locust destroyed over 1,000 ha of millet, cow peas, green grams and maize in Mutha, and Kanziko wards in Kitui South Sub-County with about 400 farmers affected. Moreover, quelea quelea birds ate approximately 10MT of assorted crops (mainly millet, sorghum and green grams) per day in Kitui East, Kitui Rural and Kitui South sub-counties. Cases of elephants and hyenas attacking about 85 goats, 47 sheep and 14 cattle were also reported in Kitui South and Mwingi North sub-counties leading to loss of small stocks and injury to cattle.

3.0 IMPACTS OF DRIVERS ON FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

3.1 Availability Food availability in the county is mainly driven by crop and livestock production. Market supplies from other counties covers food deficits and stabilizes food prices. In this section, the presence of crop harvests, food stocks, pasture and browse for livestock are discussed.

3.1.1 Crops Production The 2020 short rains season is normally more reliable in the county in comparison with the long rains and accounts for 60 percent of the county’s annual crop production and productivity. The main crops grown in the county are maize, green grams, cow peas, sorghum and millet in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone and maize, beans, green grams, pigeon peas and cow peas in Mixed Farming livelihood zone. Moreover, horticultural crops such as tomatoes, water melons, kales, spinach and mangoes are grown mainly for cash income and household consumption across the livelihood zones. Maize contributes 50 and 60 percent to food in Marginal Mixed Farming and Mixed Farming livelihood zones respectively, beans contribute 15 percent to food and 23 percent to cash income in Mixed Farming livelihood zone while green grams contribute 40 and 30 percent to cash income in Marginal Mixed Farming and Mixed Farming livelihood zones respectively. Furthermore, green grams also contribute five percent to food across the livelihood zones and cowpeas contribute 80 percent to food and five percent to cash income in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone.

Rain Fed Crop Production

Table 1: Rain Fed Crop Production in Kitui County Crop Area planted Long term 2020 short rains Long term average during 2020 average area season production production during short rains planted during the (90 kg bags) the short rains season short rains season projected season (Ha) (Ha) (90 kg bags) Maize 48,253 54,996 96,506 259,387 Green grams 57,167 78,989 228,660 387,778 Cow peas 41,650 54,822 166,600 252,000

The area planted under green grams, cow peas and maize were lower than the long-term average (LTA) by 28, 24 and 12 percent respectively and this was attributed to erratic rains experienced during the season and the 2020 short rainfall outlook which predicted below normal rainfall hence farmers did not open more land for fear of loss. Table 1 depicts that, projected harvest for maize, green grams and cow peas were expected to be lower than the long-term average by 63, 41 and 34 percent respectively. This is due to a combination of lower-than-average area achieved and poor performance of rainfall during the season. Moreover, a significant destruction of millet, cow peas, green grams and maize by desert locust was reported in Mutha, Ikutha and Kanziko wards in Kitui South sub-county in December 2020 and about 400 farmers were affected with over 1,000 ha of assorted crops destroyed. Invasion of quelea quelea bird’s in the county also destroyed crops mainly millet, sorghum and green grams in Kitui East, Kitui Rural and Kitui South sub-counties. It was reported that, the birds were eating approximately 10MT of assorted crops per day and aerial spray was on-going in affected areas and over 10 roost sites had been sprayed. The control operation is expected to be complete by end of February 2021.

Irrigated Crop production

Table 2: Irrigated Cropping in Kitui County

Crop Area planted Long term 2020 short rains Long term during 2020 short average season average rains season area planted production production (Ha) during the short (MT) during the short rains season (Ha) projected rains season (MT) Tomatoes 1,350 690 18,900 13,640 Kales 1,100 510 19,800 9,750 Watermelons 2,650 350 23,850 5,510

The area under watermelons, kales and tomatoes was 657, 116 and 96 percent respectively above the long-term average as shown in table 2. The increase was attributed to sustained horticultural production campaigns by different implementing partners. Moreover, production of watermelons, kales and tomatoes were expected to be 333, 103 and 39 percent respectively above the long-term average due to increased acreage under crops and on-going campaigns by different actors including distribution of certified seeds by County Government of Kitui. The restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic such as restriction of pupils in learning institutions, improved availability of labor; boosting production from expansion of the irrigated areas.

3.1.2 Cereals Stock

Table 3: Cereal Stocks Held in Kitui County (90kgs Bag) Commodity Maize Rice (50kgs) Sorghum Green gram Current LTA Current LTA Current LTA Current LTA Farmers 34,340 57,432 0 0 3,704 34,474 8,979 59,981 Traders 62,691 158,652 51,073 441,47 14,245 8,948 17,337 34,996 6 Millers 9,818 6,780 0 0 0 0 0 0 NCPB 0 5,151 6,300 0 0 0 0 0

The total cereal stocks held by farmers and traders were 69 and 77 percent respectively below the long-term average. Moreover, maize stocks held by different actors were lower than normal in exception of millers who held 45 percent above the long-term average stocks (table 3). The restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic such as closure of schools forced pupils to stay at home leading to increment of household members hence reduction of previous stock levels. Furthermore, loss of livelihoods due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, lowered households purchasing power and stocks held at both households and traders’ level. The current maize stocks held at household level is projected to last for one month across the livelihood zones compared to a normal of 1-2 months in Marginal Mixed Farming and 2-3 months in Mixed Farming livelihood zones.

3.1.3 Livestock Production Livestock production is an important economic activity in the county and provides alternative source of food and income to the households. The main livestock species kept in both livelihood zones are cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, poultry and bees. Goats, sheep and poultry are usually sold to cater for basic household needs and income generation, whereas cattle are reared mostly for milk production, source of farm power and sold for major family investment. Poultry is reared by over 90 percent of households and is gender inclusive providing a cheap source of protein and income for immediate household needs. Donkeys are essentially used as a means of transport and additional source of income. Overall, livestock production contributes more than 40 percent to cash income in Marginal Mixed Farming and 15 percent in Mixed Farming livelihood zone.

Pasture and Browse Situation Pasture condition was good and normal in Mixed Farming livelihood zone in both quality and quantity. However, pasture was fair in most parts of Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zones and this was due to poor rainfall distribution and high surface temperatures. Pasture deficit was mainly in Mwingi North (Tseikuru, Ngomeni, Kyuso and Tharaka wards) and Mwingi Central (Nguni ward) sub-counties. Moreover, browse condition was fair to good across the livelihood zones compared to good normally. The available pasture is likely to last for 1-2 and 2-3 months in Marginal Mixed Farming and Mixed Farming livelihood zones compared to 2-3 and 3-4 months normally while browse is expected to last for 2-3 and 3-4 months in Marginal Mixed Farming and Mixed Farming livelihood zones respectively compared to 3-4 months normally (table 4). Availability of crop residues will boost livestock feeds especially during the dry period.

Table 4: Pasture and Browse Condition Pasture Browse Livelihood Condition How long to Factors Condition How long to Factors zone last (Months) limiting last (Months) Limiting access access Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal

Marginal Fair Good 1-2 2-3 None Fair to Good 2-3 3-4 None Mixed good Farming Mixed Good Good 2-3 3-4 None Good Good 3-4 3-4 None Farming

Livestock Productivity Livestock Body Condition Livestock body condition for all the species across the livelihood zones were good and this is normal at this time of the year (Table 5). Good body condition was as a result of availability of livestock feeds and water. However, cattle body condition is expected to deteriorate in the next 2-3 months following depletion of livestock feeds and crop residues.

Table 5: Livestock Body Condition Cattle Sheep Goat Livelihood zone Current Normally Current Normally Current Normally Marginal Mixed Farming Good Good Good Good Good Good Mixed Farming Good Good Good Good Good Good

Tropical Livestock Units (TLUs) and Birth Rate The tropical livestock units (TLUs) for poor and medium income households remained stable compared to normal (Table 6). The TLUs for poor income households ranged at 3-5 in Marginal Mixed Farming and 2-3 in Mixed Farming livelihood zones. Most farmers maintained their livestock due to availability of livestock feeds and water. Livestock birth rates and calving intervals were within normal ranges across the livelihood zones.

Table 6: Tropical Livestock Units (TLUs) Livelihood zone Poor income households Medium income households Current Normal Current Normal Marginal Mixed Farming 3-5 3-5 5-8 4-7 Mixed Farming 2-3 2-3 3-6 3-6

Milk Production and Consumption Milk production was within the normal range at 1-2 litres across the livelihood zones and this is due to good livestock body condition as a result of improvement in livestock feeds. Moreover, milk consumption was within the long-term average due to stability in production at household level. However, the price of milk was slightly above the long-term average at 40-60 and 60-80 shillings compared to a normal of 40-50 and 50-60 shillings in Marginal Mixed Farming and Mixed Farming livelihood zones respectively (Table 7). Higher milk prices were due to the effect of COVID-19 where most of the population was at home increasing demand for raw milk and the believe that, it is nutritious and cheaper compared to the packed milk.

Table 7: Milk Production, Consumption and Prices Livelihood zone Milk production Milk consumption Prices (Ksh.) per Litre (Litres) per (Litres) per household household Current LTA Current LTA Current LTA Marginal Mixed Farming 2 1-2 1 1-2 40-60 40-50 Mixed Farming 1.6 1-2 0.5-1 1 60-80 50-60

Migration Livestock migration patterns were normal and within the vicinity in the county. However, about 85 goats, 47 sheep and 11 cattle (calves) were attacked by hyenas in Kitui South (Mutha, Kanziko and Ikutha wards) and Mwingi North (Ngomeni wards) sub -Counties and three cattle were attacked by elephants in Athi ward; Kitui South sub -County leading to loss of small stocks and injury to cattle. The wild animals were mainly in search of food and water.

Livestock Diseases and Mortalities In the period under review, there was an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD), Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and trypanosomiasis in the county with over 2,386 confirmed cases and 39 deaths due to LSD reported in Kitui South (, Ikutha, Ikanga/Kyatune, Mutha, Kanziko and Athi wards), Kitui Rural (Kanyangi, Kisasi, and Yatta/ wards) and Mwingi North (Tseikuru ward) sub-Counties; 1,002 confirmed cases and 300 deaths due to PPR reported in Imale area in Kitui East sub- County; 308 confirmed cases and 94 deaths due to CCPP reported in Mwingi Central (Kivou, Nguni and Waita wards) and Mwingi North (Ngomeni ward) sub-counties, and 95 confirmed cases and three deaths due to trypanosomiasis reported in Mutha ward in Kitui South sub county. Moreover, nine cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cattle were also confirmed in Yatta/Kwavonza ward; Kitui Rural Sub-County. The upsurge of livestock diseases and deaths will lower livestock productivity and household purchasing power.

Water for Livestock The main water sources for livestock were water pans, earth dams, shallow wells, seasonal rivers and streams. The open water sources were expected to last for 1-3 months compared to 2-3 months normally across the livelihood zones. Distances to water sources from grazing areas were within the normal range. In Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone, distances ranged between 4-8 kilometres compared to 5-6 kilometres normally. Similarly, in Mixed Farming livelihood zone, the distance was 2-3 kilometers. Livestock watering frequency was daily in Mixed Farming livelihood zone compared to 3-4 days per week in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone (Table 8). However, poor distribution of rainfall across the county resulted to drying up of some of the water points mainly in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zones.

Table 8: Water for Livestock Livelihood zone Return trekking Expected duration to Watering frequency distances (Kms) last (Months) Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal Marginal Mixed Farming 4-8 5-6 1-3 2-3 Alternate Daily days Mixed Farming 2-3 2-3 2-3 3 Daily Daily

3.2 Access

3.2.1 Markets and Market Operations The main markets in the county are Tseikuru, Ngomeni, Ukasi, Nguni, Nuu, Zombe, Mutha, Mutomo and Ikutha in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone and Kisasi, Kavisuni, Kalundu, , Migwani, Mwingi, Mui, Kamwongo and Katse in Mixed Farming livelihood zone. Cereals and livestock are the major commodities traded in these markets though in varying proportions. All markets operated normally and were vibrant. Traded items in the market were cattle, goats, sheep, donkey, poultry, maize, beans, rice, pigeon peas, cow peas, green grams among other food stuffs. Livestock traded in the markets were mainly sourced locally and in the neighboring Counties of , Tana River and Makueni (Kathozweni). Rice was sourced from outside the County together with some maize and beans. Tanzania, Rift Valley and Western parts of Kenya were the main source of maize and beans while pigeon peas, cow peas and green grams were sourced within the County. The well provisioned markets are likely to have a positive impact on food availability in the County.

3.2.2 Market Prices

Maize Price The price of maize has remained stable and averaged between 33-35 shillings per kilogram since

May, 2020 (Figure 3) and this is attributed to Average (2014-2018) 2020 2021 increased stocks from previous season 45 40 harvests at both household level and traders. 35 The price of maize averaged at Ksh.34 in 30 January 2021 which was within the long-term 25 average and 13 percent lower than the 2020 20

15 Price (Ksh. / / kg) (Ksh. Price price. The price of maize ranged at 30-35 10 shillings across the livelihood zones. 5 Moreover, maize price is expected to remain 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec stable in the next 2-3 months due to increased supply from outside the county. Figure 3: Maize Prices in Kitui County

Goat Price The price of a medium sized goat has remained above the long-term average since December, 2019 and this is attributed to good body Average (2016-2020) 2020 2021 condition as a result of availability of water 5000 and browse. Goat price averaged at Ksh.4,286 4500 4000 in January 2021 which is 27 and 21 percent 3500 higher than the long-term average and 2020 3000 2500 price respectively (Figure 4). Goat prices 2000 1500 ranged at 3,500-4,500 for medium sized goat (Ksh.) Price 1000 and 7,000-9,000 for mature sized goats across 500 the livelihood zones. The price of goat is 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec likely to remain above the long-term average in the next 2-3 months due to good body Figure 4: Goat Prices in Kitui County condition and availability of browse.

Terms of Trade Household terms of trade have remained above Average (2016-2020) 2020 2021 the long-term average since February 2020 and 140 this is attributed to stability in goat and maize 120 prices which have impacted positively on 100 household purchasing power. Households were 80 able to purchase 126 kilograms of maize from 60 earnings of a goat in January 2021 compared to 40

Kilograms of maize maize of Kilograms 20 97 kilograms in normal season (Figure 5). goat a for exchanged Moreover, the sale of one goat would enable a 0 household in Marginal Mixed Farming Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 5: Terms of Trade in Kitui County livelihood zone to purchase 122 kilograms of maize compared to 127 kilograms in Mixed Farming livelihood zone.

3.2.3 Income Sources The typical sources of income across the livelihood zones were mainly casual labour and sale of crops at 55 and 19 percent respectively. Other income sources included sale of livestock and livestock products, petty trading, remittances and formal employment.

3.2.4 Water Access and Availability

Major Water Sources The main water sources for domestic use were conventional water sources such as Masinga and Kiambere piped water systems, boreholes, earth dams, earth pans, Rock catchments, 4% shallow wells, springs, rock catchments, Boreholes, 13% roof catchments and scooped river wells Shallow wells, (Figure 6). The majority of surface water 7% Springs, 14% sources did not recharge fully following poor performance of 2020 short rains. Piped water system, 8% The estimated recharge levels of surface Pans and dams, water resources were 30-40 percent in 20% Natural ponds, Marginal Mixed Farming and 50-90 Others, 9% 4% percent in Mixed Farming livelihood zones. High levels of siltation might Scooped river wells, 21% affect the duration water sources will last hence a need to enhance catchment protection. Moreover, about 88 percent of Figure 6: Major Water Sources in Kitui County water sources across the county were operational and non-operational sources were due to breakdowns, siltation and drying up. In Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zones, the water points were more concentrated compared to Mixed Farming livelihood zone occasioned by drying up of nearby water sources (Table 9). Furthermore, water demand increased due to requirement of hand washing purposes as a COVID-19 preventive measure.

Table 9: Most Concentrated Water Points in Kitui County Ward Actual Name of the Normal Current Reason(s) for Variation Water Point No. No. Being Served Served Tseikuru Nganga Imwe/ 400 600 Most of the surface sources dried up Masyungwa b/hole coupled with breakdown of Katumbi Mulangoni borehole 470 700 and Rengwa boreholes Kaningo borehole 300 500 Ngomeni Kimela borehole 250 400 Most of the surface sources dried up Ngomeni rock 900 1,500 catchment Kyuso Kyuso rock catchment 350 700 Most of the surface sources dried up Twimyua borehole 350 700 Nguni Kavoko borehole 280 450 Most of the surface sources dried up Ukasi borehole 250 750 Ward Actual Name of the Normal Current Reason(s) for Variation Water Point No. No. Being Served Served Masavi borehole 1,500 3,500 Kiio borehole 350 500 Kivou Kanzui borehole 350 800 Most of the surface sources dried up Nuu Kavondo borehole 250 450 Most of the surface sources dried up Mwambiu borehole 250 550 Engamba borehole 200 400 Yatta/Kwa Mwitasyano Kiusyani 1,500 2,500 Most of the surface sources dried up Vonza borehole Katothya borehole 1,200 2,000 Kanyangi Kanyangi borehole 7,500 8,000 Other sources /pans drying up. voo/kyama 2,000 2,500 All other sources are drying up Kinanie borehole tu Endau/Mal Kitambaasye earth 3,000 2,000 Rate of evaporation & constant use alani dam without recharge Mutomo Kithini w/p 600 1,200 Serving Mutomo township Kaseva rock catchment 400 750 Ikanga Ikanga wp 750 2,000 Serving Mutomo township Kyatune borehole 800 900 Most of the small sources dried up Athi Mwathe borehole 400 600 Other small sources serving the area Ndauni borehole 2,000 1,500 Mutonya borehole 550 600

Distance to Water Sources The return trekking distances for domestic water were within the normal range of 4-7 and 1-3 kilometres in marginal mixed farming and mixed farming livelihood zones respectively as shown in table 10. The recharge of water sources and on-going water facility investment interventions by different partners has improved water access and availability in the county. However, some of open water sources in marginal mixed farming livelihood zone were expected to dry up earlier than normal due to low recharge and this will trigger an increase in water distances.

Table 10: Water Accessibility and Utilization Livelihood Return distance to Cost of water at Waiting time at Average water zone water for domestic source (Ksh. per water source consumption use (Km) 20 litres) (minutes) (litres/person/day) Normal Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal Current Marginal 5-6 4-7 2-5 2-5 30-40 15-30 10-20 10-25 Mixed Farming Mixed Farming 2-3 1-3 2-5 2-5 20-30 15-20 20-40 30-40

Waiting Time at the Source There was a reduction in waiting time across the livelihood zones compared to normal due to recharge of water facilities and investments done by the County Government of Kitui and partners. Waiting time ranged at 15-30 minutes across the livelihood zones compared to normal of 30-40 minutes in marginal mixed farming and 20-30 minutes in mixed farming livelihood zones (Table 10).

Cost of Water and Consumption The cost of a 20 litres Jerrican at source was normal at 2-5 shillings with no major variation across the livelihood zones. However, the cost of water from vendors was normal and retailed at 20-30 shillings per 20 litres jerrican in marginal mixed farming and 10-20 shillings in mixed farming livelihood zone. Water consumption per person per day improved to 10-25 litres in marginal mixed farming and 30-40 litres in mixed farming livelihood zone compared to 10-20 and 20-40 litres respectively during normal times (Table 10). Sensitization to wash hands regularly as part of COVID-19 containment measures improved water consumption and demand.

3.2.5 Food Consumption Majority of households were in acceptable food consumption category in similar period at year 2021, 2020 and 2019. Better food consumption patterns were due to favorable terms of trade which impacted positively on household access to diversified diet. In January 2021, Poor Borderline Acceptable 100% about 86.9 percent of households had acceptable food consumption score 80% compared to 90.3 and 82.3 percent in 60% similar period in year 2020 and 2019 40% respectively. Moreover, 12.7 and 0.4 20% percent of households were in borderline 0% and poor food consumption category Jan-21 Jan-20 Jan-19 Jan-21 Jan-20 Jan-19 Jan-21 Jan-20 Jan-19 respectively in January 2021. Majority of County Mean Marginal Mixed Farming Mixed Farming households were consuming a normal of Figure 7: Food Consumption Score in Kitui County 2-3 meals per day. The meals consisted of mainly three food groups (cereals, legumes and vegetables) compared to the normal of 2-3 food groups across the livelihood zones. Moreover, about 81.1, 18.2 and 0.7 percent of households in marginal mixed farming livelihood zone were in acceptable, borderline and poor food consumption category compared 94.2, 5.8 and 0.0 percent respectively in mixed farming livelihood zone. In marginal mixed farming livelihood zone, the number of households in acceptable food consumption group were lower compared to similar period in year 2020 and 2019 (Figure 7).

3.2.6 Coping Strategy The mean of reduced coping strategy index (rCSI) has remained lower than the Average 2017-2020 2019 2020 2021 long-term average since January 2020. 12.0 This is attributed to improved food 10.0 availability at household level. The 8.0 county mean rCSI was 3.9 in January 2021 which is 27 percent lower than the 6.0 long-term average (Figure 8). However, rCSI Mean 4.0 households in Marginal Mixed Farming 2.0 and Mixed Farming livelihood zone were 0.0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 8: Reduced Coping Strategy Index (rCSI) employing a mean rCSI of 2.1 and 5.4 respectively. Reliance on less preferred or less expensive food and reduced portion size of meals were the most frequent coping mechanisms adopted by households to access food or money to buy food across the livelihood zones. Moreover, about 13 and 10 percent of households were employing stressed and crisis coping mechanisms respectively to cope with lack of food or money to buy food.

3.3 Utilization

3.3.1 Morbidity and Mortality Patterns Morbidity trend analysis for both under fiver year children and the general population indicates that, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) is the most prevalent disease in the County. Other diseases are diarrhoea and malaria. Morbidity cases for July to December 2020 were lower for both under five-year children and the general population compared to the same time in 2019 and 2018 (Figure 9). This was attributed to low turnout of clients in health facilities due to repeated health worker strikes and COVID-19 anxiety. Moreover, Cases of dysentery, diarrhoea and typhoid declined by 58.6, 28.5 and 51.7 percent respectively and this was due to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices at household level as COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation measures. There were 1,182 confirmed cases of Kalazar in Ngomeni and Tseikuru wards in Mwingi North sub-County and based on Kenya Health Information System (KHIS), under five year and crude mortality rates were 0.014/10,000/day and 0.002/10,000/day respectively which is within the normal range of <0.5/10,000/day. Morbidity Trend for Under Five Year Morbidity Trend for General Population 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 100,000 250,000 80,000 200,000 60,000 150,000 40,000 100,000 20,000 50,000 0 0 URTI Diarrhoea Malaria URTI Diarrhoea Malaria Figure 9: Morbidity Trend for Under Five and General Population for the Period of July to December

3.3.2 Immunization and Vitamin A Supplementation The proportion of Fully Immunized Children (FIC) improved to 70.6 percent from 64.2 percent in 2019. An improvement in immunization was attributed to enhanced vaccine stocks compared to previous year and accelerated facility-based immunization activities for children under one year. Moreover, children on bacille calmette-gue’rin (BCG) vaccine, oral polio virus vaccine 1 (OPV 1) at birth, OPV 3 and measles rubella 1 coverage increased to 69.9, 62.8, 69.9 and 68.6 percent from 64.7, 53.3, 61.2 and 63.5 percent respectively. This is below the national target of 80 percent since there was a health worker strike and COVID-19 pandemic which hindered immunization activities.

Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) for the period July to December among children 6-11 months and 12-59 months improved to 54.8 and 48.8 percent in year 2020 from 42.2 and 39.6 percent in 2019 respectively. This was due to Malezi Bora and integrated health and nutrition outreaches campaigns carried out across the County.

3.3.3 Nutritional Status and Dietary Diversity Trend analysis for children at risk of malnutrition indicates a decline trend and below the long- term average since March 2020 and this Average (2016-2020) 2019 2020 2021 is attributed to improved household 9 access to diversified food commodities 8 from farms and market levels and on- 7 going nutrition interventions by different 6 partners (Source: Kenya Drought Early 5 Warning Bulletins). Moreover, the 4 percentage of children under the age of 3 2

five years who were at risk of 1 'atrisk' (MUAC<135mm) malnutrition, declined to 2.6 percent in 0 January 2021 from 7.3 and 7.0 percent in Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec year 2020 and the long-term average respectively (Figure 10). Furthermore, no Figure 10: Percentage of Children at Risk of Malnutrition cases of global acute malnutrition (GAM) based on mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were reported in January 2021.

3.3.4 Sanitation and Hygiene The proportion of households using protected water sources stood at 35.2 percent and about 35.5 and 59.1 percent of households were treating their water before consuming using boiling and treatment chemicals respectively (Source: County Public Health Office). Draught power (mainly donkeys and bulls) was the main means of transport for water from the sources. Latrine coverage remained stable at 94 percent in year 2020 from 93 percent in 2019 due to post Open Defecation Free (ODF) interventions by County Government of Kitui and partners. Households with their own latrines stood at 90 percent compared to 4 percent who were sharing. Moreover, hand washing at four critical times stood at 98 percent in year 2020 from 48.3 percent in 2019, a contributory factor to decreased cases of diarrhoea and other WASH related diseases.

3.3.5 Health and Nutrition Sector in COVID-19 Context According to Kitui County Department of Health and Sanitation, the county COVID-19 positivity rate was 13.4 percent as at January 22, 2021 with 722 confirmed cases from a sample of 5,387 of which 64 percent of confirmed cases were male. Kitui Central Sub-County had the highest number of confirmed cases at 514 while Mwingi North Sub-County had the lowest number of confirmed cases at seven. Moreover, 692 patients had recovered while 15 had succumbed to the virus and 15 percent of the confirmed cases were symptomatic.

The COVID -19 pandemic impacted health and nutrition sector essential services in various ways. There was under-utilization of static health facilities as low turn-out of patients was reported across the County due to anxious of infections. Kauwi hospital was used as an isolation Centre therefore restricted the services being offered to emergencies. Moreover, Kitui County Referral Hospital established an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) within the hospital with the aim of managing COVID-19 emergencies at the County level. Outreach services were minimized as a way of avoiding crowds to curb the spread of infection. Furthermore, resources made for procurement and delivery of nutrition supplements were re-allocated to efforts toward the control of COVID-19 spread.

3.3.6 Public Interventions, Risk Communication and Community Level Actions The County Government of Kitui and partners employed COVID-19 interventions and risk mitigation measures such as surveillance and testing, sensitization of health workers and community health Volunteers (CHV) on COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation measures with the aim of creating awareness on preparedness, prevention, and mitigation of the pandemic. Procurement and distribution of personal protective equipment’s, hand washing facilities, sanitizers and fumigation of public premises were conducted. Health messages were also developed in local languages and disseminated through local radio stations as well as through branding the walls and hand washing facilities.

Social safety net programmes available in the County during the period under review included cash transfers for the elderly, people living with disability, orphan and vulnerable children (OVCs). Other initiatives included Kazi Mtaani youth programme. These programmes boosted vulnerable households’ food security needs.

3.3.7 Coordination and Leadership in COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness and Response The department of public health spearheaded COVID-19 coordination and leadership in the county. There were structures put in place at the county and sub county levels such as County Health Management Team (CHMT) and the Sub County Health Management Teams (SCHMT’s) forums which formed part of the county COVID-19 task force. The forums met weekly to deliberate on surveillance, preparedness and mitigation measures of the pandemic. County nutrition sector was tasked with the coordination of COVID-19 nutrition management of clients and dissemination of health and nutrition information on the same.

3.4 Trends of Key Food Security Indicators

Table 11: Food Security Trends in Kitui County Indicator Long Rains Assessment, July Short Rains Assessment, 2020 January 2021 % of maize stocks held 515 percent above LTA 40 percent below LTA by households Livestock body Marginal Mixed Farming: Good Good condition Mixed Farming: Good Good Water consumption Marginal Mixed Farming: 20-30 10-25 (litres per person per day) Mixed Farming: 30-40 30-40 Price of maize (per kg) Ksh.34 Ksh.34 Distance to grazing Marginal Mixed Farming: 3-5 km 4-8 km Mixed Farming: 1-2 km 2-3 km Terms of trade 111kg 126kg Coping strategy index 3.5 3.9 Food consumption Acceptable 86.5 Acceptable 86.9 score (%) Borderline 13.2 Borderline 12.7 Indicator Long Rains Assessment, July Short Rains Assessment, 2020 January 2021 Poor 0.4 Poor 0.4

4.0 CROSS CUTTING ISSUES

4.1 Education

4.1.1 Enrolment Enrolment for secondary and primary school levels dropped by 5.4 and 4.9 percent respectively and more girls compared to boys dropped at secondary school level while more boys dropped at primary level (table 12). Early pregnancies among girls, drug and substance abuse, poverty leading to child labour as a result of prolonged stay at home as a result of COVID-19 pandemic were the main reasons for decline in enrolment at both primary and secondary school levels. Moreover, the county recorded 1,057 and 627 early pregnancy cases in secondary and primary school levels respectively. However, enrolment at early childhood development (ECD) remained stable due to awareness initiatives by County Government of Kitui and partners.

Table 12: Enrolment by Gender Term II 2021(current) Term I 2020 (previous) Enrollment № Boys № Girls Total № Boys № Girls Total ECD 26,351 27,015 53,366 26,290 26,930 53,220 Primary 145,358 140,278 285,636 157,741 142,634 300,375 Secondary 47,571 50,735 98,306 49,624 54,293 103,917

4.1.2 Effects of COVID-19 in Schools All schools in the county resumed learning in September, 2020 for grade four, standard eight and form fours after being closed earlier than normal in March, 2020 as part of COVID-19 mitigation measures. However, learning in all levels for all pupils resumed fully in January, 2021. The COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation measures resulted to loss of livelihoods as most of private school teachers were sent home on unpaid leave and 26 private schools were closed completely in the county apart from disruption of the school calendar. Most parents were forced to relocate to other areas due to loss of income and livelihoods. Kenya Medical Training College, Kitui was the only institution which was used as a quarantine/holding center and no damages or concerns on the same were reported. Fumigation of the institution was conducted before re- opening. Moreover, less than 10 percent of the pupils assessed eLearning platforms using either radios, mobile phones, televisions and/or through social media platforms. Majority of learners did not access essential services and materials such as sanitary pads in-addition to eLearning platforms due to high poverty levels. Learners also took advantage of the COVID-19 extended break in learning and got involved in menial jobs in-order to help their parents make ends meet. However, some learners delved into criminal and antisocial activities such as sex, drug abuse (chewing mugukaa) and alcohol abuse which resulted into increased cases of child abuse, early pregnancies and accidents for children. Although schools had implemented COVID-19 health protocols before re-opening, issues of children sharing masks and social distance was still a challenge where also some schools lacked water for hand washing and hygiene purposes. Hence there was a need to support schools in implementing the COVID-19 health protocols apart from sensitizing parents on eLearning platforms and create awareness on sex and gender-based violence (SGBV).

4.1.3 School Meals Programmes Kitui County has 18 Sub Counties (formerly known as districts) with 445, 1,446 and 1,634 secondary schools, primary schools and ECD Centre’s respectively. In January 2021, only 76 schools in Kitui West and Lower Yatta Sub Counties were reported to be implementing Home Grown School Meals (HGSM) programmes with about 14,405 beneficiaries. More girls compared to boys benefitted from school meal programmes (Table 13).

Table 13: School Meal Programmes in Kitui County Name of Sub Number of schools Number of Beneficiaries Total number of County with school meals beneficiaries programme Boys Girls Kitui West 30 3,226 3,179 6,405 Lower Yatta 46 3,800 4,200 8,000 Total 76 7,026 7,379 14,405

4.1.4 Inter Sectoral Links All schools in the county had hand washing facilities. However, there were 699 schools with inadequate functional latrines and 608 schools with no access to safe water as illustrated in table 14. Moreover, about 46 schools (39 primary schools and seven secondary schools) had their toilets collapse as a result of heavy rains received during the season and the coverage of deworming of pupils and communicable disease prevention programmes were low in the county.

Table 14: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Condition in Schools Name of sub No of school with inadequate No of schools with no access to safe water county functional latrines (functional source within 100 m radius) ECD Primary secondary ECD Primary secondary

Kitui west 4 35 15 60 60 23 Nzambani 0 5 4 50 50 20 Kyuso 62 36 0 0 40 0 Tseikuru 0 13 0 0 0 0 Katulani 0 35 0 66 59 18 Mutomo 80 100 7 0 0 0 Mutito 81 81 23 0 0 0 Lower yatta 58 30 8 40 20 4 Thagicu 5 9 0 25 25 3 Mwingi Central 3 5 0 20 20 5 Total 293 349 57 261 274 73

5.0 FOOD SECURITY PROGNOSIS

5.1 Prognosis Assumptions . Based on Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) Rainfall and Temperature forecast for the period February to April 2021, the County is likely to experience normal to above normal wet conditions coupled with usual to warmer than usual temperatures. . Based on Sussex Vegetation Outlook for the month of February and March 2021, the three-month Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) indicates that, the vegetation greenness is likely to remain normal to above normal throughout the forecasted period. . According to Kenya Food Security Outlook for October 2020 to May 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture estimates the above-average maize harvest from high to medium production areas. This will stabilize the food prices. . Livestock prices are likely to remain above average in the next six months following favorable body conditions due to above average rangeland resources. However, increased cases of livestock diseases coupled by wildlife attacks will lower livestock productivity. . Based on Desert Locust Situation Update released by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on 26th January 2021, there is a risk of re-invasion from Somalia and the swarms are likely to spread out looking for favorable areas to mature and lay eggs. This will give rise to hopper bands during February and March and a high likelihood of destruction of rangeland resources. . In the event of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is likely to impose more stringent measures which will constrain income generating activities thus, lead to loss of income and livelihoods. . Terms of trade are likely to remain above normal following stability in both crop and livestock prices.

5.2 Food Security Outlook

Food Security Outcomes for February, March and April 2021 Households’ food availability is expected to deteriorate with household stocks likely to deplete leading to reliance on markets for food commodities. Livestock migration patterns are expected in areas affected by desert locust and that experienced incomplete regeneration of rangeland resources. Upsurge of human and livestock diseases coupled by wildlife attacks and desert locust invasion will lower livestock productivity and household incomes. Poor income households are expected to employ more stressed coping mechanisms in order to access food or money to buy food. Acute malnutrition is expected to increase as household food stocks decline but is expected to remain within acceptable levels. Increased cases of COVID-19, will lead to upsurge of malnutrition and mortalities cases. However, the March to May long rains will provide relief to households owing to improved access to water and forage. This will boost both crop and livestock productivity thus increasing income generating activities driven by demand for labour for farming. Improved terms of trade will boost household access to diversified foods hence stabilize household consumption patterns. As a result, the county is most likely to remain in stressed phase (IPC phase 2).

Food Security Outcomes for May, June and July 2021 The long rains are likely to recharge water resources partially and maintain near average forage and water conditions throughout the forecasted period. This will stabilize livestock productivity and prices. Crop prices are also expected to remain stable driven by above-average short rain season harvest from high to medium production areas and improved household stocks from own production. However, upsurge of quelea quelea birds and desert locust invasion will negatively impact on food availability at household level. Poor income households will employ stressed food based coping mechanisms coupled by depletion of stocks at household level. This will reduce meal frequency and impact negatively on household dietary diversity and nutrition status. Moreover, households in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone and Mixed Farming livelihood zones will likely remain in stressed phase (IPC phase 2) and minimal phase (IPC phase 1) respectively.

6.0 CONCLUSION AND INTERVENTIONS

6.1 Conclusion

6.1.1 Phase Classification The indicative food security phase classification in the County is “stressed phase” (IPC phase 2) for Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone and “Minimal phase” (IPC phase 1) for Mixed Farming livelihood zone. Key factors to monitor include long rains performance, incidences of human and livestock diseases, desert locust and quelea quelea birds’ condition, human-wildlife conflicts and household food stocks.

6.1.2 Summary of Findings The County food security situation is likely to worsen following depressed 2020 short rains which were poorly distributed in both time and space resulting to poor recharge of water resources. The area achieved and projected harvest for rain-fed crops was below normal and the stocks held by farmers and traders were lower compared to normal stocks. However, livestock productivity was within the normal range following availability of water and forage and this impacted positively on household purchasing power and access to diversified foods at household level. Majority of households were at acceptable food consumption category and about 77 percent of households employed none or minimal coping mechanisms to cope with lack of food or money to buy food. Moreover, malnutrition status and mortality rates were within the normal range. Nevertheless, COVID-19 pandemic and outbreak of Kalazar, increased cases of livestock diseases and deaths, quelea quelea birds and desert locust invasion and cases of wildlife attacks to livestock were the main factors hindering food security in the County.

6.1.3 Sub-County Ranking The sub-county ranking indicates the level of the severity of food security in various sub counties with the sub county ranked number one (1) having the more severe food insecurity situation.

Table 15: Sub-County Ranking for Kitui County Sub Predominant Food Main Food Security Threat/ Hotspot wards County Livelihood Security Contributing Factors Rank (1-6) Mwingi Marginal 1 - Poor recharge of water facilities - Tseikuru North Mixed - Breakdown of boreholes - Ngomeni Farming - Low livestock feeds/pasture - Tharaka - Outbreak of LSD and CCPP - Kyuso - Low dietary diversity - Outbreak of Kalazar - Crop failure Mwingi Marginal 2 - Poor recharge of water resources - Nguni Central Mixed - Low livestock feeds/pasture - Nuu Farming - Outbreak of CCPP - Waita - Crop failure - Kivou Kitui Marginal 3 - Low pasture availability - Endau/ Malalani East Mixed - Outbreak of PPR Farming - Poor recharge of water facilities - Crop failure - Quelea quelea birds - High measles, dysentery and malaria cases Mwingi Mixed 4 - Low pasture availability - Kyome/Thaana West Farming - Outbreak of CCPP - Kiomo/ - Poor recharge of water facilities Kyethani - Ngutani Kitui Mixed 5 - Poor recharge of water facilities - Kanyangi Rural Farming - Low meal frequency and dietary - Yatta/Kwa diversity Vonza - Outbreak of LSD and FMD - Kisasi - Mbitini Kitui Mixed 6 - Poor recharge of water facilities - West Farming - Low meal frequency and dietary - Kwa Mutonga/ diversity Kithumula - Crop failure Kitui Marginal 7 - Outbreak of LSD and trypanomiasis - Athi South Mixed - Quelea quelea birds - Mutha Farming - Increased cases of human-wildlife - Ikutha conflicts - Ikanga/Kyatune - Kanziko Kitui Mixed 8 - High positivity rate of COVID-19 Central Farming

6.2 Ongoing Interventions

6.2.1 Food Interventions No food interventions were on-going during the period under review apart from school meals feeding programs discussed in bulletin 4.1.3.

6.2.2 Non-Food Interventions

Table 16: On-going Non-Food Interventions in Kitui County AGRICULTURE SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost in No. of Impleme Implementation Location target Ksh. (M) beneficiaries ntation stakeholders Time Frame Promotion of Increased 38 wards Farmers 23 20,000 HHs 2020- CGOK (County high value food security 2021 government of horticulture and income Kitui crops (Myanda project) Subsided Increased All 40 Farmers 20 10,000 HHs Continuo CGOK (County tractor plough acreages for wards us government of services production Kitui Trainings on Improved All 40 Farmers General 250,000 HHs Continuo CGOK and Good food security wards extension us Partners. agricultural and nutrition practices (GAP) Mango Increased All 40 Farmers General 8,000 Continuo CGOK and production food security wards extension farmers us Partners (Agro- and value and income chemicals addition companies) Water Increased Kauwi, Farmers 200 1,000 HHs 2016- CGOK and infrastructure food security Mutongui 2022 National development and income ni and Government and soil Nguutani under SIVAP conservation wards Capacity Improved 20 wards Farmers 826 17,143 July CGOK and building productivity from Kitui farmers 2018 - National producer and East, Kitui 2023 Government organizations profitability Central, under NARIGP Mwingi Programme North & Mwingi Central sub counties Training and Improved 31 Wards Farmers 151 9,388 small 2016 to CGOK and cost sharing income and in Kitui holder 2022 National on inputs food security South, farmers Government acquisition at HHs level. Kitui East, under KCEP- Kitui CRAL Rural, Programme Mwingi North & Mwingi Central sub counties Promotion of Improved All 40 Farmers 20 14,672 2017 to CGOK and viable and income and Wards farmers in 2022 National equitable food security 427 groups Government commercializ at HHs level. under ASDSP ation of the Programme agricultural sector through value chain development Strengthening Improved 7 Wards, Farmers 4 8092HHs 2020/202 CGOK and sorghum and income and Kivou, 1 National millet value food security Waita, Government chains for at HHs level. Mwingi under ICRISAT food, Central, nutritional Nguni, and income Nuu, security Yatta/Kwa vonza & Athi Desert locust To improve All 40 Farmers 30 262,942 By June CGOK and control food security wards farmers 2021 National by Government and minimizing FAO crops and pasture loss Quelea quelea To improve 7 affected Farmers 10 30,000 By CGOK and birds control food security wards farmers February National by 2021 Government minimizing through PPDS crops loss

LIVESTOCK SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost in No. of Implemen Implementation Location target Ksh. benefic tation stakeholders (M) iaries Time Frame

Livestock breeds To improve All 40 wards Farmers 30 5,810 continuous County improvement household farmers Government of through income and 8,145 Kitui (CGOK) synchronization food security cattle and AI services Improved chicken To diversify 20 wards Farmers 15 30 2018-2023 CGOK and to vulnerable livelihoods groups farmer National families and improve groups Government household under NARIGP income Programme Beekeeping value To diversify 20 wards Farmers 12 30 2018-2023 CGOK and addition project livelihoods farmer National and improve groups Government household under NARIGP income Programme

WATER SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost No. of Implemen Implementation Location target in benefic tation stakeholders Ksh. iaries Time (M) Frame Construction of To improve 4 wards; Households 84.5 3,570H 2020-2021 CGOK (County sump wells water Miambani, Hs Government of accessibility Kyangwithya Kitui) and West, availability Voo/Kyamatu, Kisasi Rehabilitation of To improve 5 wards in 5 Households 79.6 2,885H 2020-2021 CGOK water supplies, water sub counties Hs drilling of accessibility boreholes and and construction of availability earth dams Support to To cushion Areas covered KITWASC 80 300,000 Continuou CGOK and Water Service WSPs on by WSPs O and peoples s partners Providers operation and KIMW (WSPs) maintenance ASCO (O&M) costs

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost in No. of Implemen Implementation Location target Ksh. benefic tation stakeholders (M) iaries Time Frame Vitamin A To boost All 40 wards Under- 3 188,849 Continuou Ministry of Supplementation/ immunity five-year s Health (MOH) Deworming thus improve children the nutrition status Management of To improve All 40 wards Pregnant 3 275,000 Continuou Ministry of Acute Malnutrition recovery rate mothers s Health (MOH) (IMAM) Iron Foliate To boost All 40 wards Pregnant 3 275,000 Continuou MOH supplementation immunity mothers s thus improve nutrition status

EDUCATION SECTOR Intervention Intervention Intervention Interventi Interve Interve Interventi Intervention on ntion ntion on Running of food To retain All 18 sub Primary 100 339,005 Continuou Ministry of programmes in the pupils in counties and ECDE pupils s Education and institutions school parents

Reconstruction of To restore All 18 sub Schools 15 46 2020/2021 Ministry of damaged facilities damaged counties schools Education due to 2020 short infrastructure rains s 6.3 Recommended Interventions

6.3.1 Food Interventions

Table 17: Proposed Population in Need of Food Assistance in Kitui County Sub County Ward Proposed Range (%) Mwingi North Ngomeni 15-20 Tseikuru 15-20 Kyuso 10-15 Mumoni 10-15 Tharaka 10-15 Kitui South Ikanga/Kyatune 5-10 Mutomo 5-10 Mutha 10-15 Kanziko 5-10 Ikutha 5-10 Athi 5-10 Mwingi Central Nguni 15-20 Nuu 10-15 Mui 10-15 Waita 5-10 Central 5-10 Kivou 5-10 Kitui East Zombe/Mwitika 10-15 Nzambani 0-5 Chuluni 0-5 Voo/Kyamatu 10-15 Endau/Malalani 10-15 /Kaliku 5-10 Kitui Rural Kisasi 10-15 Mbitini 0-5 Kwavonza/Yatta 10-15 Kanyangi 10-15 Kitui West Mutonguni 5-10 Kauwi 5-10 Matinyani 0-5 Kwamutonga/Kithumula 5-10 Mwingi West Kyome/Thaana 5-10 Kiomo/Kyethani 5-10 Nguutani 5-10 Migwani 5-10 Kitui Central Miambani 5-10 Township 0-5 Kyangwithya West 5-10 Kyangwithya East 0-5 Mulango 0-5

6.3.2 Non-Food Interventions

Table 18: Recommended Non-Food Interventions in Kitui County AGRICULTURE SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost No. of Implementation Implementation Location target in beneficiaries Time Frame stakeholders Ksh. (M) Immediate Interventions Provision of Improve All 40 Farmers 50 Over By end of CGOK (County drought food & wards 100,000 September, 2021 Government of Kitui), tolerant seeds nutritional HHs National Government to the most security estimated and Partners affected by Desert locust, quelea quelea & COVID-19 pandemic Water To establish All 40 Farmers 40 50,000 HHs continuous CGOK, National harvesting for sustainable wards Government and crop crop Partners production production (construction through of Strategic irrigation water pans

LIVESTOCK SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost in No. of Implementation Implementation Location target Ksh. beneficiaries Time Frame stakeholders (M) Immediate Interventions Animal To reduce All 40 Livestoc 10 70,000 cattle January -March CGOK National vaccinations livestock wards k keepers 2021 Government and against Lumpy morbidities, partners Skin Disease mortalities (LSD) and and protect Foot & Mouth livelihoods Disease (FMD) from loss of their animals Livestock To reduce All 40 goats 12 650,000 January -March CGOK, National vaccination livestock wards goats 2021 Government and against morbidities, partners Contagious mortalities Caprine and protect Pleuropneumo livelihoods nia CCPP from loss of their animals Market based To reduce All 40 Livestoc 2 25,000 cows January -March CGOK, National off take livestock wards k farmers 2021 Government and mortalities partners and protect livelihoods from loss of income Expansion of Increase Kitui Livestoc 20 200,000 2020-2021 CGOK, National Kitui main number of central Sub k farmers heads of Government and slaughter sales of County livestock partners house meat in the market Pasture To increase All 40 Livestoc 10 8,000 January to CGOK, National improvement livestock wards k livestock March 2021 Government & feeds partners

WATER SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost in No. of Implementation Implementation Location target Ksh. beneficiari Time Frame stakeholders (M) es Medium/Long Term Interventions Water trucking To improve Nguni Schools and 5 3,500 January to County government, in schools and accessibilit and Nuu households people March 2021 National Government highly y of water wards and partners concentrated to water points households and schools Supply and Improve All 40 Primary 20 4,600 January to County Government, installation of water wards schools pupils March 2021 National Government water tanks in access to and partners primary primary schools for schools water trucking

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost in No. of Implementation Implementation Location target Ksh. beneficiaries Time Frame stakeholders (M) Immediate Interventions Strengthening To All 40 General 20 1,235,000 Continuous Ministry of Health health improve wards population people (MOH) and partners Community access of strategy health services to general population Nutrition Improved All 40 All children 10 4,300 2020-2025 Ministry of Health improvement nutrition wards under (MOH) and partners through cash status 2years and health education (NICHE) Sensitization To prevent Mwingi Households 3 162,218 2021 Ministry of Health on Kalaazar spread of North sub people (MOH) and partners prevention Kalaazar county measures and reduce mortality rates

EDUCATION SECTOR Intervention Objective Specific Activity Cost in No. of Implementatio Implementation Location target Ksh. beneficiaries n Time Frame stakeholders (M) Immediate Interventions School To retain All 18 Pupils in 200 339,005 Continuous Ministry of Feeding learners in sub Primary pupils Education, Parents Programme school counties schools and and other partners ECD centres Water trucking To improve All 18 Primary 30 Continuous Ministry of to water needy water sub schools and Education, Parents schools and accessibilit counties ECD centres, and other partners installation of y to Day secondary water tanks learners schools