In Kenya, there are continued efforts to scale up nutrition through specific and sensitive interventions. There is evidence in the growing double burden of malnutrition as well as increased realization of nutrition as a multidimensional issue that calls for stronger collaboration across sectors. To effectively address this, there is a need for a comprehensive approach towards capacity development for nutrition in the country. The Kenya Nutrition Capacity Development Framework (KNCDF) 2014-19 was developed to provide a comprehensive guide for shaping nutrition capacity development in Kenya.  KNCDF provides a holistic approach to determination, design, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of capacity development efforts in the country.

KNCDF defines capacity development as the process by which individuals, groups and organizations, institutions and countries develop, enhance and organize their systems, resources and knowledge. This is reflected in their ability at individual or collective level to perform functions and solve problems in order to achieve and sustain development objectives.

The KNCDF operational guide and capacity assessment tools are in place to provide guidance for nutrition capacity assessments, actions plans development and implementation of capacity related initiatives as well as monitoring and evaluation of the capacity development initiatives both national and county levels for improved nutrition in Kenya.

The framework for nutrition capacity development in Kenya categorizes capacity development in four broad levels;

  1. Systemic capacity; which focuses on the broader macro environment, this includes policy environment, legal and regulatory capacity as well as social economic and cultural dynamics that influence nutrition outcomes.
  2. Organizational capacity which looks at working arrangements and coordination frameworks and structures of key institutions and organizations which include learning and research institutions, regulatory bodies, Nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific sectors and Ministry of health at national and county level.
  3. Technical capacity which looks at the presence of technical and human resource capacity of nutrition relevant institutions to support and improve nutrition service delivery
  4. Community Capacity; the ability of a community to access, consume and make demand for nutrition services through increased nutrition service awareness

Priority Areas for Nutrition Capacity development

  1. To enhance multi-level capacity for nutrition policy, legal and regulatory frameworks formulation, operationalization and monitoring
  2. To strengthen organizational capacity of institutions and organizations for optimal nutrition service delivery across sectors.
  3. To strengthen systems for technical capacity development for nutrition workforce across sectors
  4. To strengthen systems for community capacity in nutrition service delivery

Expected Outcome

Improved nutrition capacities at all levels

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