Mid-term evaluation of Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme (MCNP II) in Kenya
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Date
2022
Authors
Codjia, Patrick
Kutondo, Edward
Kamudoni, Penjani
Munga, Judith
Ahluwalia, Aneesha
Sharma, Indrani
Jong, Yvon de
Amolo, Tom
Maina‑Gathigi, Lucy
Mwenda, Victoria
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Public Health
Abstract
Background: Kenya is faced with a triple burden of malnutrition which is multi-faceted with health and socioeconomic implications. Huge geographical disparities exist, especially, in the arid and semi-arid lands exacerbated
by inadequate resource allocation to the nutrition sector and challenges in multi-sectoral coordination and nutri‑
tion governance. UNICEF’s Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme is a four-year (2018–2022) resilience-building,
multi-sectoral program focused on pregnant and lactating women, mothers of children under fve years and children
under fve years. The objective of the mid-term evaluation was to establish the relevance, efectiveness, efciency, and
sustainability of the programme.
Methods: The feld evaluation conducted between June and July 2021, adopted a concurrent mixed-methods
approach, where qualitative information was gathered through 29 key informant interviews and 18 focus group dis‑
cussions (6 FGDs per population group; women of reproductive age, adolescent girls and men). Quantitatively, data
were obtained through desk review of secondary data from programme reports, budgets, and project outputs where
descriptive analysis was undertaken using Excel software. Qualitative information was organized using Nvivo software
and analyzed thematically.
Results: The fndings provide evidence of the relevance of the Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme II to the
nutrition situation in Kenya and its alignment with the Government of Kenya and donor priorities. Most planned
programme targets were achieved despite operating in a COVID-19 pandemic environment. The use of innovative
approaches such as family mid-upper arm circumference, integrated management of acute malnutrition surge model,
Malezi bora and Logistic Management Information Management System contributed to the realization of efective
outputs and outcomes. Stringent fnancial management strategies contributed toward programme efciencies;
however, optimal utilization of the resources needs further strengthening. The programme adopted strategies for
strengthening local capacity and promoting ownership and long-term sustainability.
Conclusion: The programme is on track across the four evaluation criteria. However, a few suggestions are recom‑
mended to improve relevance, efectiveness, efciency, and sustainability. A formal transition strategy needs to be
developed in consultation with multi-stakeholder groups and implemented in phases. UNICEF Nutrition section
should explore a more integrated programming mode of delivery through joint initiatives with other agencies under the Delivery as One UN agenda, along the more gender transformative approaches with more systematic involve‑
ment of males and females in gender-based discussions.
Description
Article
Keywords
Nutrition, Mid-term evaluation, Evaluation, Maternal and child nutrition, UNICEF
Citation
Codjia, P., Kutondo, E., Kamudoni, P., Munga, J., Ahluwalia, A., Sharma, I., ... & Bukania, Z. (2022). Mid-term evaluation of Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme (MCNP II) in Kenya. BMC Public Health, 22(1), 2191.