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KITUI COUNTY
2020 SHORT RAINS FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY ASSESSMENT REPORT
A Joint Report of Kitui County 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)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2020 short rains food and nutrition security assessment was conducted by Kitui County
Steering Group (CSG) with the technical support from Kenya 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
Marginal Mixed
Farming, 44%
Mixed Farming, 52%
Formal Employment,
4%
Figure 1: Proportion of Population by
Livelihood Zones
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 Machakos and Makueni counties to the
West, Tana River County to the East and South-East, Taita Taveta County to the South, Embu to
the North-West, and Tharaka-Nithi and Meru
counties to the North. The county is divided into
eight administrative units namely: Kitui East,
Kitui South, Kitui Rural, Kitui Central, Kitui
West, Mwingi West, Mwingi Central, and
Mwingi North sub-counties. It is further sub
divided into 40 wards and 247 villages.
Moreover, the county has 18 sub- counties
(formerly known as districts) and it covers an
estimated area of 30,429.5 square kilometers
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
(MMF), Mixed Farming (MF) and Formal Employment, contributing 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
Figure 2: Rainfall Performance
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.
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,
Ikutha 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
during 2020
short rains
season
(Ha)
Long term
average area
planted during the
short rains season
(Ha)
2020 short rains
season production
(90 kg bags)
projected
Long term average
production during
the short rains
season
(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
during 2020 short
rains season
(Ha)
Long term
average
area planted
during the short
rains season (Ha)
2020 short rains
season
production
(MT)
projected
Long term
average
production
during the short
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
6
14,245 8,948 17,337 34,996
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
zone
Condition How long to
last (Months)
Factors
limiting
access
Condition How long to
last (Months)
Factors
Limiting
access
Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal
Marginal
Mixed
Farming
Fair Good 1-2 2-3 None Fair to
good
Good 2-3 3-4 None
Mixed
Farming
Good Good 2-3 3-4 None Good Good 3-4 3-4 None
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
Livelihood zone Cattle Sheep Goat
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
(Litres) per
household
Milk consumption
(Litres) per
household
Prices (Ksh.) per Litre
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
(Mutomo, Ikutha, Ikanga/Kyatune, Mutha, Kanziko and Athi wards), Kitui Rural (Kanyangi,
Kisasi, Mbitini and Yatta/Kwa Vonza 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
distances (Kms)
Expected duration to
last (Months)
Watering frequency
Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal
Marginal Mixed Farming 4-8 5-6 1-3 2-3 Alternate
days
Daily
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,
Kabati, 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 Garissa, Tana River and Makueni (Kathozweni). Rice was sourced from
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecP
rice
(Ksh
. / k
g)
Average (2014-2018) 2020 2021
Figure 3: Maize Prices in Kitui County
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Pric
e (
Ksh
.)
Average (2016-2020) 2020 2021
Figure 4: Goat Prices in Kitui County
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Kil
ogram
s o
f m
aiz
e
ex
ch
an
ge
d fo
r a
go
at
Average (2016-2020) 2020 2021
Figure 5: Terms of Trade in Kitui County
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
increased stocks from previous season
harvests at both household level and traders.
The price of maize averaged at Ksh.34 in
January 2021 which was within the long-term
average and 13 percent lower than the 2020
price. The price of maize ranged at 30-35
shillings across the livelihood zones.
Moreover, maize price is expected to remain
stable in the next 2-3 months due to increased
supply from outside the 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
condition as a result of availability of water
and browse. Goat price averaged at Ksh.4,286
in January 2021 which is 27 and 21 percent
higher than the long-term average and 2020
price respectively (Figure 4). Goat prices
ranged at 3,500-4,500 for medium sized goat
and 7,000-9,000 for mature sized goats across
the livelihood zones. The price of goat is
likely to remain above the long-term average
in the next 2-3 months due to good body
condition and availability of browse.
Terms of Trade
Household terms of trade have remained above
the long-term average since February 2020 and
this is attributed to stability in goat and maize
prices which have impacted positively on
household purchasing power. Households were
able to purchase 126 kilograms of maize from
earnings of a goat in January 2021 compared to
97 kilograms in normal season (Figure 5).
Moreover, the sale of one goat would enable a
household in Marginal Mixed Farming
Scooped river wells, 21%
Pans and dams, 20%
Springs, 14%
Boreholes, 13%
Rock catchments, 4%
Shallow wells, 7%
Piped water system, 8%
Natural ponds, 4%Others, 9%
Figure 6: Major Water Sources 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,
shallow wells, springs, rock catchments,
roof catchments and scooped river wells
(Figure 6). The majority of surface water
sources did not recharge fully following
poor performance of 2020 short rains.
The estimated recharge levels of surface
water resources were 30-40 percent in
Marginal Mixed Farming and 50-90
percent in Mixed Farming livelihood
zones. High levels of siltation might
affect the duration water sources will last
hence a need to enhance catchment
protection. Moreover, about 88 percent of
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
Water Point
Normal
No.
Served
Current
No. Being
Served
Reason(s) for Variation
Tseikuru
Nganga Imwe/
Masyungwa b/hole
400 600 Most of the surface sources dried up
coupled with breakdown of Katumbi
and Rengwa boreholes Mulangoni borehole 470 700
Kaningo borehole 300 500
Ngomeni
Kimela borehole 250 400 Most of the surface sources dried up
Ngomeni rock
catchment
900 1,500
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
Water Point
Normal
No.
Served
Current
No. Being
Served
Reason(s) for Variation
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
Vonza
Mwitasyano Kiusyani
borehole
1,500 2,500 Most of the surface sources dried up
Katothya borehole 1,200 2,000
Kanyangi Kanyangi borehole 7,500 8,000 Other sources /pans drying up.
voo/kyama
tu Kinanie borehole
2,000 2,500 All other sources are drying up
Endau/Mal
alani
Kitambaasye earth
dam
3,000 2,000 Rate of evaporation & constant use
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
zone
Return distance to
water for domestic
use (Km)
Cost of water at
source (Ksh. per
20 litres)
Waiting time at
water source
(minutes)
Average water
consumption
(litres/person/day)
Normal Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal Current
Marginal
Mixed Farming
5-6 4-7 2-5 2-5 30-40 15-30 10-20 10-25
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
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Jan-21 Jan-20 Jan-19 Jan-21 Jan-20 Jan-19 Jan-21 Jan-20 Jan-19
County Mean Marginal Mixed Farming Mixed Farming
Poor Borderline Acceptable
Figure 7: Food Consumption Score in Kitui County
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Me
an
rC
SI
Average 2017-2020 2019 2020 2021
Figure 8: Reduced Coping Strategy Index (rCSI)
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,
about 86.9 percent of households had
acceptable food consumption score
compared to 90.3 and 82.3 percent in
similar period in year 2020 and 2019
respectively. Moreover, 12.7 and 0.4
percent of households were in borderline
and poor food consumption category
respectively in January 2021. Majority of
households were consuming a normal of
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
long-term average since January 2020.
This is attributed to improved food
availability at household level. The
county mean rCSI was 3.9 in January
2021 which is 27 percent lower than the
long-term average (Figure 8). However,
households in Marginal Mixed Farming
and Mixed Farming livelihood zone were
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
URTI Diarrhoea Malaria
Morbidity Trend for Under Five Year2020 2019 2018
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
URTI Diarrhoea Malaria
Morbidity Trend for General Population2020 2019 2018
Figure 9: Morbidity Trend for Under Five and General Population for the Period of July to December
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.
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.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
'at r
isk' (M
UA
C<
135m
m)
Average (2016-2020) 2019 2020 2021
Figure 10: Percentage of Children at Risk of Malnutrition
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
is attributed to improved household
access to diversified food commodities
from farms and market levels and on-
going nutrition interventions by different
partners (Source: Kenya Drought Early
Warning Bulletins). Moreover, the
percentage of children under the age of
five years who were at risk of
malnutrition, declined to 2.6 percent in
January 2021 from 7.3 and 7.0 percent in
year 2020 and the long-term average
respectively (Figure 10). Furthermore, no
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
2020
Short Rains Assessment,
January 2021
% of maize stocks held
by households
515 percent above LTA 40 percent below LTA
Livestock body
condition
Marginal Mixed Farming: Good Good
Mixed Farming: Good Good
Water consumption
(litres per person per
day)
Marginal Mixed Farming: 20-30 10-25
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
score (%)
Acceptable 86.5 Acceptable 86.9
Borderline 13.2 Borderline 12.7
Indicator Long Rains Assessment, July
2020
Short Rains Assessment,
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
County
Number of schools
with school meals
programme
Number of Beneficiaries Total number of
beneficiaries 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
county
No of school with inadequate
functional latrines
No of schools with no access to safe water
(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
County
Predominant
Livelihood
Food
Security
Rank (1-6)
Main Food Security Threat/
Contributing Factors
Hotspot wards
Mwingi
North
Marginal
Mixed
Farming
1 - Poor recharge of water facilities
- Breakdown of boreholes
- Low livestock feeds/pasture
- Outbreak of LSD and CCPP
- Low dietary diversity
- Outbreak of Kalazar
- Crop failure
- Tseikuru
- Ngomeni
- Tharaka
- Kyuso
Mwingi
Central
Marginal
Mixed
Farming
2 - Poor recharge of water resources
- Low livestock feeds/pasture
- Outbreak of CCPP
- Crop failure
- Nguni
- Nuu
- Waita
- Kivou
Kitui
East
Marginal
Mixed
Farming
3 - Low pasture availability
- Outbreak of PPR
- Poor recharge of water facilities
- Crop failure
- Quelea quelea birds
- High measles, dysentery and
malaria cases
- Endau/ Malalani
Mwingi
West
Mixed
Farming
4 - Low pasture availability
- Outbreak of CCPP
- Poor recharge of water facilities
- Kyome/Thaana
- Kiomo/
Kyethani
- Ngutani
Kitui
Rural
Mixed
Farming
5 - Poor recharge of water facilities
- Low meal frequency and dietary
diversity
- Outbreak of LSD and FMD
- Kanyangi
- Yatta/Kwa
Vonza
- Kisasi
- Mbitini
Kitui
West
Mixed
Farming
6 - Poor recharge of water facilities
- Low meal frequency and dietary
diversity
- Crop failure
- Mutonguni
- Kwa Mutonga/
Kithumula
Kitui
South
Marginal
Mixed
Farming
7 - Outbreak of LSD and trypanomiasis
- Quelea quelea birds
- Increased cases of human-wildlife
conflicts
- Athi
- Mutha
- Ikutha
- Ikanga/Kyatune
- Kanziko
Kitui
Central
Mixed
Farming
8 - High positivity rate of COVID-19
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
Location
Activity
target
Cost in
Ksh. (M)
No. of
beneficiaries
Impleme
ntation
Time
Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
Promotion of
high value
horticulture
crops
(Myanda
project)
Increased
food security
and income
38 wards Farmers 23 20,000 HHs 2020-
2021
CGOK (County
government of
Kitui
Subsided
tractor plough
services
Increased
acreages for
production
All 40
wards
Farmers 20 10,000 HHs Continuo
us
CGOK (County
government of
Kitui
Trainings on
Good
agricultural
practices
(GAP)
Improved
food security
and nutrition
All 40
wards
Farmers General
extension
250,000 HHs Continuo
us
CGOK and
Partners.
Mango
production
and value
addition
Increased
food security
and income
All 40
wards
Farmers General
extension
8,000
farmers
Continuo
us
CGOK and
Partners (Agro-
chemicals
companies)
Water
infrastructure
development
and soil
conservation
Increased
food security
and income
Kauwi,
Mutongui
ni and
Nguutani
wards
Farmers 200 1,000 HHs 2016-
2022
CGOK and
National
Government
under SIVAP
Capacity
building
producer
organizations
Improved
productivity
and
profitability
20 wards
from Kitui
East, Kitui
Central,
Mwingi
North &
Mwingi
Central
sub
counties
Farmers 826 17,143
farmers
July
2018 -
2023
CGOK and
National
Government
under NARIGP
Programme
Training and
cost sharing
on inputs
acquisition
Improved
income and
food security
at HHs level.
31 Wards
in Kitui
South,
Kitui East,
Kitui
Rural,
Farmers 151 9,388 small
holder
farmers
2016 to
2022
CGOK and
National
Government
under KCEP-
CRAL
Programme
Mwingi
North &
Mwingi
Central
sub
counties
Promotion of
viable and
equitable
commercializ
ation of the
agricultural
sector
through value
chain
development
Improved
income and
food security
at HHs level.
All 40
Wards
Farmers 20 14,672
farmers in
427 groups
2017 to
2022
CGOK and
National
Government
under ASDSP
Programme
Strengthening
sorghum and
millet value
chains for
food,
nutritional
and income
security
Improved
income and
food security
at HHs level.
7 Wards,
Kivou,
Waita,
Mwingi
Central,
Nguni,
Nuu,
Yatta/Kwa
vonza &
Athi
Farmers 4 8092HHs 2020/202
1
CGOK and
National
Government
under ICRISAT
Desert locust
control
To improve
food security
by
minimizing
crops and
pasture loss
All 40
wards
Farmers 30 262,942
farmers
By June
2021
CGOK and
National
Government and
FAO
Quelea quelea
birds control
To improve
food security
by
minimizing
crops loss
7 affected
wards
Farmers 10 30,000
farmers
By
February
2021
CGOK and
National
Government
through PPDS
LIVESTOCK SECTOR
Intervention Objective Specific
Location
Activity
target
Cost in
Ksh.
(M)
No. of
benefic
iaries
Implemen
tation
Time
Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
Livestock breeds
improvement
through
synchronization
and AI services
To improve
household
income and
food security
All 40 wards Farmers 30 5,810
farmers
8,145
cattle
continuous County
Government of
Kitui (CGOK)
Improved chicken
to vulnerable
families
To diversify
livelihoods
and improve
household
income
20 wards Farmers
groups
15 30
farmer
groups
2018-2023 CGOK and
National
Government
under NARIGP
Programme
Beekeeping value
addition project
To diversify
livelihoods
and improve
household
income
20 wards Farmers 12 30
farmer
groups
2018-2023 CGOK and
National
Government
under NARIGP
Programme
WATER SECTOR
Intervention Objective Specific
Location
Activity
target
Cost
in
Ksh.
(M)
No. of
benefic
iaries
Implemen
tation
Time
Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
Construction of
sump wells
To improve
water
accessibility
and
availability
4 wards;
Miambani,
Kyangwithya
West,
Voo/Kyamatu,
Kisasi
Households 84.5 3,570H
Hs
2020-2021 CGOK (County
Government of
Kitui)
Rehabilitation of
water supplies,
drilling of
boreholes and
construction of
earth dams
To improve
water
accessibility
and
availability
5 wards in 5
sub counties
Households 79.6
2,885H
Hs
2020-2021 CGOK
Support to
Water Service
Providers
(WSPs)
To cushion
WSPs on
operation and
maintenance
(O&M) costs
Areas covered
by WSPs
KITWASC
O and
KIMW
ASCO
80 300,000
peoples
Continuou
s
CGOK and
partners
HEALTH AND NUTRITION SECTOR
Intervention Objective Specific
Location
Activity
target
Cost in
Ksh.
(M)
No. of
benefic
iaries
Implemen
tation
Time
Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
Vitamin A
Supplementation/
Deworming
To boost
immunity
thus improve
the nutrition
status
All 40 wards Under-
five-year
children
3 188,849 Continuou
s
Ministry of
Health (MOH)
Management of
Acute Malnutrition
(IMAM)
To improve
recovery rate
All 40 wards Pregnant
mothers
3 275,000 Continuou
s
Ministry of
Health (MOH)
Iron Foliate
supplementation
To boost
immunity
thus improve
nutrition
status
All 40 wards Pregnant
mothers
3 275,000 Continuou
s
MOH
EDUCATION SECTOR
Intervention Intervention Intervention Interventi
on
Interve
ntion
Interve
ntion
Interventi
on
Intervention
Running of food
programmes in the
institutions
To retain
pupils in
school
All 18 sub
counties
Primary
and ECDE
100 339,005
pupils
Continuou
s
Ministry of
Education and
parents
Reconstruction of
damaged facilities
due to 2020 short
rains
To restore
damaged
infrastructure
s
All 18 sub
counties
Schools 15 46
schools
2020/2021 Ministry of
Education
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
Mutitu/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
Location
Activity
target
Cost
in
Ksh.
(M)
No. of
beneficiaries
Implementation
Time Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
Immediate Interventions
Provision of
drought
tolerant seeds
to the most
affected by
Desert locust,
quelea quelea
& COVID-19
pandemic
Improve
food &
nutritional
security
All 40
wards
Farmers 50 Over
100,000
HHs
estimated
By end of
September, 2021
CGOK (County
Government of Kitui),
National Government
and Partners
Water
harvesting for
crop
production
(construction
of Strategic
water pans
To establish
sustainable
crop
production
through
irrigation
All 40
wards
Farmers 40 50,000 HHs continuous CGOK, National
Government and
Partners
LIVESTOCK SECTOR
Intervention Objective Specific
Location
Activity
target
Cost in
Ksh.
(M)
No. of
beneficiaries
Implementation
Time Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
Immediate Interventions
Animal
vaccinations
against Lumpy
To reduce
livestock
morbidities,
All 40
wards
Livestoc
k keepers
10 70,000 cattle January -March
2021
CGOK National
Government and
partners
Skin Disease
(LSD) and
Foot & Mouth
Disease (FMD)
mortalities
and protect
livelihoods
from loss of
their
animals
Livestock
vaccination
against
Contagious
Caprine
Pleuropneumo
nia CCPP
To reduce
livestock
morbidities,
mortalities
and protect
livelihoods
from loss of
their
animals
All 40
wards
goats 12 650,000
goats
January -March
2021
CGOK, National
Government and
partners
Market based
off take
To reduce
livestock
mortalities
and protect
livelihoods
from loss of
income
All 40
wards
Livestoc
k farmers
2 25,000 cows January -March
2021
CGOK, National
Government and
partners
Expansion of
Kitui main
slaughter
house
Increase
number of
sales of
meat in the
market
Kitui
central Sub
County
Livestoc
k farmers
20 200,000
heads of
livestock
2020-2021 CGOK, National
Government and
partners
Pasture
improvement
To increase
livestock
feeds
All 40
wards
Livestoc
k
10 8,000
livestock
January to
March 2021
CGOK, National
Government &
partners
WATER SECTOR
Intervention Objective Specific
Location
Activity
target
Cost in
Ksh.
(M)
No. of
beneficiari
es
Implementation
Time Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
Medium/Long Term Interventions
Water trucking
in schools and
highly
concentrated
water points
To improve
accessibilit
y of water
to
households
and schools
Nguni
and Nuu
wards
Schools and
households
5 3,500
people
January to
March 2021
County government,
National Government
and partners
Supply and
installation of
water tanks in
primary
schools for
water trucking
Improve
water
access to
primary
schools
All 40
wards
Primary
schools
20 4,600
pupils
January to
March 2021
County Government,
National Government
and partners
HEALTH AND NUTRITION SECTOR
Intervention Objective Specific
Location
Activity
target
Cost in
Ksh.
No. of
beneficiaries
Implementation
Time Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
(M)
Immediate Interventions
Strengthening
health
Community
strategy
To
improve
access of
health
services to
general
population
All 40
wards
General
population
20 1,235,000
people
Continuous Ministry of Health
(MOH) and partners
Nutrition
improvement
through cash
and health
education
(NICHE)
Improved
nutrition
status
All 40
wards
All children
under
2years
10 4,300 2020-2025 Ministry of Health
(MOH) and partners
Sensitization
on Kalaazar
prevention
measures
To prevent
spread of
Kalaazar
and reduce
mortality
rates
Mwingi
North sub
county
Households 3 162,218
people
2021 Ministry of Health
(MOH) and partners
EDUCATION SECTOR
Intervention Objective Specific
Location
Activity
target
Cost in
Ksh.
(M)
No. of
beneficiaries
Implementatio
n Time Frame
Implementation
stakeholders
Immediate Interventions
School
Feeding
Programme
To retain
learners in
school
All 18
sub
counties
Pupils in
Primary
schools and
ECD centres
200 339,005
pupils
Continuous Ministry of
Education, Parents
and other partners
Water trucking
to water needy
schools and
installation of
water tanks
To improve
water
accessibilit
y to
learners
All 18
sub
counties
Primary
schools and
ECD centres,
Day secondary
schools
30 Continuous Ministry of
Education, Parents
and other partners
