Kenya Inter-Universities Policy Debate on Food Security and Nutrition

Food insecurity remains one of the most significant challenges facing Kenya today. In 2023, over 5.3 million Kenyans grappled with acute food insecurity, while a staggering 1 million children endured the devastating effects of malnutrition.

While the rights to food and child nutrition is enshrined in the national constitution, the journey toward achieving SDG 2 on Zero Hunger remains fraught with many obstacles. Additionally, many experts predict the situation to worsen further, driven by intensification of climate-related disasters. The frequent floods and droughts continue to wreak havoc on Kenya’s agriculture, which over 95% is rain-fed. Other contributing challenges include the widening economic inequality, rapid population growth exceeding 2.9% annually according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, and escalating poverty, which now affects over a third of the population.

However, there lies a beacon of a hope. If empowered and supported, young people have consistently shown their ability to provide solutions to the world’s challenges.

It is in this spirit that the Policy Action Initiative intends to hold the InterUniversity Debate on Food Security and Nutrition, scheduled for March 15th-16th, 2024, at Kenyatta University. This unique event aims to bring together 300 students from 20 universities and colleges to discuss, promote, and showcase sustainable agricultural practices and environmental policies that pave the way for long-term food security.