WEST POKOT COUNTY

2020 LONG RAINS FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

A Joint Report of Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)1 and

West Pokot County Steering Group (CSG)

July, 2020

1 Philip Muraguri – Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation and Rajab Obama - Ministry of

Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives

1

Executive Summary

The multi-sectoral and multi-agency food security assessment exercise was conducted between

20th and 24thJuly 2020 by the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG) and West Pokot

County Steering Group (CSG). The assessment covered the three main livelihoods namely

Pastoral, Agro-pastoral and Mixed farming livelihood zones. The main objective of rapid long

rains food security assessment was to develop an objective, evidence-based and transparent food

security situation analysis following the long rains season of 2020, taking into account the

cumulative effects of previous seasons, and to provide immediate and medium term

recommendations for possible response options based on the situation analysis.

The main drivers to the current food security situation is attributed to good rainfall performance

which has led to improved water access and agricultural and livestock productivity. However,

heavy rainfall led to flooding and mudslides in Chesegon and border of West Pokot County with

Elgeyo Marakwet County. Flash floods also damaged roads and irrigation infrastructure. COVID-

19 Pandemic led to livestock market closure hence decreased livestock sales. However, the

COVID-19 pandemic has led to improved hygiene and sanitation through hands washing and use

of sanitizers, reduced cases of diarrhea, increased livestock herds due to reduced pressure to sell

livestock to take care of school fees and higher livestock prices.

Pasture and browse condition is good while projected maize production is expected to increase by

two percent across all livelihood zones due to prevailing good rainfall. Milk production has

improved by about a litre across all livelihood zones. Average goat in July was selling at Ksh.

4,360, which was 39 percent above the five-year average of Ksh. 3,138. High goat price is

attributed to good body condition and reduced pressure to sell goats for school fees as the schools

are still closed as control measures on COVID-19. About 60 percent of livestock that out-migrated

to Uganda locked out due to COVID-19 movement restrictions at the borders. Birth rates remained

normal across all livelihood zones. The average return trekking distances from grazing area to

watering points in the pastoral and Agro-pastoral livelihood zones have reduced to 1 - 2 km

compared with the normal 2 - 3 km, and less than a km in the mixed farming zone.

The leading diseases during the season were Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, diarrhoea and

Malaria for both under five populations and the general population. Total cases of URTI for both

the under-fives and general population between January and June 2020 were higher compared to

2019 but less than 2018. The proportion of children at risk of malnutrition in the month of March

2020 was 2.5 percent compared to the long-term average (LTA) of 12 percent. However, the

COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced uptake of health services in the static health facilities due

to COVID 19 measures in place, this has also affected uptake of nutrition services. Most

households are consuming three meals in Mixed farming and Agro-pastoral zones and two meals

in the pastoral areas in a day

In West Pokot, 81.3 and 18.7 percent of households have acceptable and borderline Food

Consumption score (FCS) during the month of July, 2020The coping strategy index for the county

in June averaged 1.49, an improvement from the month of June when the index was 1.6 with

households adopting reversible strategies.

West Pokot County is classified in the Minimal Food Security phase (Phase 1) of the Integrated

Food Security Phase (IPC).

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................3

1.1 County Background ...........................................................................................................3

1.2 Objectives and Approach ...................................................................................................3

2.0 DRIVERS OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY IN THE COUNTY ...........................4

2.2 Current Shock and Hazards ...............................................................................................4

3.0 IMPACT OF IMPACTS OF DRIVERS ON FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY ...........4

3.1 Availability ...................................................................................................................4

3.1.1 Crop Production ........................................................................................................4

3.2.4 Water Access and Availability ...................................................................................... 11

3.2.6 Coping Mechanisms ..................................................................................................... 12

3.3.1 Morbidity and Mortality Patterns .................................................................................. 13

4.0 FOOD SECURITY PROGNOSIS ....................................................................................... 20

4.1 Prognosis Assumptions ............................................................................................... 20

4.2 Food security outlook for the next six months ............................................................. 20

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................. 20

5.1.3 Sub-County Food Security Ranking .............................................................................. 21

5.2 Ongoing Interventions ................................................................................................. 21

5.3 Recommended Interventions ....................................................................................... 24

5.3.1 Recommended Food Interventions ................................................................................ 24

5.3.2 Recommended Non-Food Interventions ........................................................................ 25

3

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 County Background

West Pokot County is located in the North- Western part of the country and borders the Republic

of Uganda to the west, Turkana County to the north, Baringo County to the east and Trans Nzoia

and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties to the south. Administratively, the county is divided into four sub-

counties namely: Pokot South, Pokot Central, Pokot West and Pokot North. The county has an

approximate area of 9,169.4 square kilometres (km2) with a projected population of 621,241

persons (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2019). The county has three major livelihood zones

namely: Pastoral; agro-pastoral; and mixed farming livelihood zones. Proportion of the population

by livelihood zones is shown in figure

1. The main sources of cash income in

the county include: Livestock

production contributing 69 percent of

cash income in the pastoral-all species,

30 percent in the mixed farming and 26

percent in the agro-pastoral livelihood

zones. Other sources of income include:

Food crop production, cash crop

production, small business and petty

trade, formal and casual waged labour.

1.2 Objectives and Approach

The main objective of rapid long rains food security assessment was to develop an objective,

evidence-based and transparent food security situation analysis following the long rains season of

2020, taking into account the cumulative effects of previous seasons, and to provide immediate

and medium term recommendations for possible response options based on the situation analysis.

The multi-sectoral and multi-agency food security assessment exercise was conducted between

20th and 24thJuly 2020 being coordinated by the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG).

Technical experts were drawn from the departments of agriculture, livestock, water, education and

health and nutrition at the county level. Other partners who participated at County level were the

Action against Hunger (ACF) and Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). The assessment covered the

three main livelihoods of the county and sampling was done to ensure representation of each of

the livelihoods. The sampling sites include Sarmach, Amakuriat and Wiyakol-Alale in the Pastoral

zone, Sigor and Kongelai/Kacheliba in the Agro-pastoral farming zone and Kabichbich and

Makutano junction in the Mixed farming zone.

Primary data was collected during the field visits at the County where community and market

interviews were conducted. Technical reports were also provided by the sectoral technical

members at the County level. Secondary data collected from the early warning system was relied

upon to provide trends for the different food security indicators. The integrated food security phase

classification (IPC) protocols were used to do the classification of the severity and identify the

possible causes of food insecurity.

33%

37%

30%

Proportion of Population by LZ

Pastoral-all species

Agro-pastoral

Mixed Farming

Figure 1: Proportion of the population by livelihood zones

4

2.0 DRIVERS OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY IN THE COUNTY

2.1 Rainfall Performance

The onset of the long rains was timely in the third

dekad of March 2020. However, the County

continued to experience off-season rains from the

month of February, 2020. The County had received

a cumulative amount of 804.8mm by the end of the

first dekad of July as compared to the Long term

(LTA) average of 374.4 mm with the highlands

experiencing more enhanced rainfall than the

lowlands. Kabichbich and Nasukuta rainfall stations

recorded a total of 916.6mm and 536.9mm compared

to their long tern averages of 486mm and 355.2mm

respectively. Almost all areas across the County

received over 125 percent of normal rainfall with the

Northern part of Kacheliba received over 350

percent of normal rainfall amounts. Spatial

distribution was even while temporal distribution

was erratic with very high rainfall amounts recorded

during the second week of April. Some rainfall

stations recorded over 100mm of rain in 24 hours. Although the rains were expected to cease in

the third dekad of June, the County continues to receive good rains to date.

2.2 Current Shock and Hazards

The main hazards contributing to food insecurity in the county include landslide in Chesegon and

border with Elgeyo Marakwet County which killed over 15 people and displaced 5000

households., flooding, Fall Army worms and infestation of Desert Locusts in Alale which has

affected about lokodoso, Kamorinyag, Kosamok, Nakwoilap, Katukuri, Kacrasia, Kakwes,

Napakwera, Namuno villages in Lokitayala location. Restrictions to mitigate effects of COVID-

19 pandemic such as market closure from March 2020 have negatively affected markets access.

Although Foot and Mouth disease did not have a major impact since the markets were already

closed, it led to reduced livestock productivity.

3.0 IMPACT OF IMPACTS OF DRIVERS ON FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

3.1 Availability

3.1.1 Crop Production

West Pokot County is Long rains dependent for crop production under rain-fed areas and

contributes to 90 percent of the annual total production. The major crops grown under rain-fed

production in the Mixed Farming Livelihood Zone are maize, beans, sorghum and Irish potatoes.

Maize, beans and sorghum are the main crops in the Agro pastoral zone while maize and sorghum

are the major crops in the Pastoral livelihood zone. Maize and Irish potatoes are not only grown

for food but also for cash income in the Mixed farming zone. Maize contributes 39 percent, 52

percent and 55 percent to food in the Mixed Farming, Agro-pastoral and Pastoral Livelihood zones

respectively. Maize contributes to 30 percent, 28 percent and 15 percent to cash income in the

Figure 2: Rainfall performance

5

Mixed Farming, Agro-pastoral and Pastoral Livelihood zones respectively. Beans also contribute

to eight percent to cash incomes and 15 percent to food in the Mixed Farming Livelihood Zone

while in the Agro-pastoral Livelihood zone, beans contribute to 21 percent to cash income and 15

percent to food. Irish potatoes contribute to 20 percent to cash incomes and 25 percent to food in

the Mixed Farming Livelihood Zone.

Table 1: Rain fed Crop production in West Pokot County

Crop Area

planted

during 2020

Long rains

season

(Ha)

Long Term

Average

area planted

during the Long

rains season (Ha)

2020 Long rains

season production

(90 kg bags)

Projected/Actual

Long Term

Average

production

during the long

rains season

(90 kg bags)

1.Maize 41,750 41,000

1,252,500 1,230,000

2.Beans 20,186 20,164 100,930 141,148

3.Sorghum 874 1075 6137.5 9033

4.Irish

Potatoes

1,850 1,950 148000 195000

Area under maize increased slightly by about two percent compared to LTA due to timely on set

of rains and distribution of free seeds by county government. Projected production is expected to

increase by two percent across all livelihood zones due to prevailing good rainfall. Limiting factor

to better production include invasion of Desert Locust especially in Pokot North and Fall Army

Worms (FAW) infestation and leaching of soil nutrients. Area under beans remained almost the

same compared to LTA. However, beans production is expected to reduce by 28 percent compared

to LTA due to poor yields owing to heavy rainfall that occasioned diseases and post-harvest losses.

Area planted under Sorghum acreage reduced by 19 percent compared to LTA as a result of

reduced interventions and competition from other crops. Sorghum is expected to reduce by 32

percent. Projected beans production expected to reduce by 30 percent as a result of reduced acreage

and poor weather conditions in pastoral zone which is the main producing zone. Acreage put to

Irish potato reduced by five percent compared to LTA due to lack of certified seeds. Expected

production of beans may reduce by 24 compared to LTA due to pests and diseases and expected

postharvest losses.

Irrigated Crops

Maize, beans and green grams are the main crop grown in the irrigated zone of West Pokot County.

Maize planted under irrigation reduced as a result of destruction of irrigation infrastructure by

landslides. Despite leaching of soil nutrients and FAW infestation, maize production is expected

to remain the same. Area planted and production of beans and green grams have remained the

same compared with LTA.

Table 2: Irrigated crop production

Crop Area

planted

during 2020

Long Term

Average

2020 long rains

season

production

Long Term

Average

production

6

long rains

season

(Ha)

area planted

during the

long rains

season (Ha)

(90 kg bags)

Projected/Actual

during the long

rains season

(90 kg bags)

Maize 1200 1500 30,000 30,000

Beans 400 400 40000 40000

Green Grams 100 100 600 600

3.1.2 Cereals stock

The main sources of maize and sorghum stocks held are 2019 long rains harvest. Early maize crop

harvests are now finding their way into the market. Government subsidies are also available but to

a limited extend. Due to movement restrictions, no cereal stocks are being imported from Uganda.

Table 3: Cereal stocks in the West Pokot County

Commodity Maize Rice Sorghum TOTAL

Curren

t LTA Current LTA

Curren

t LTA

Curren

t LTA

Farmers

71,000 164,79

0

0 0 2,413 2,00

6 73,413

166,79

6

Traders

100,91

8

140,56

3

9,25

0

10,00

0

2,658 2,60

0

112,82

6

153,16

3

Millers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Food

Aid/NCPB

0 35,016 0 0 0 0 0 35,016

Maize stocks held by households are lower by 57 while maize stocks held by traders are 28 percent

below the LTA mainly in mixed livelihood zone due restriction of market supplies by the measures

out to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic. Most maize stocks held are mainly in the Mixed farming

zone. About 70 percent of households in the Agro-pastoral and pastoral zones are not holding any

stocks and relying on market purchases. Sorghum stocks held by Households are high by 20

percent compared to LTA mainly in mixed and Agro-pastoral livelihood zones due to good

produce from previous season. Rice stocks held by traders reduced by eight percent below the LTA

owing to reduced purchasing power and restricted imports by traders as a result of COVID-19

pandemic.

Current maize stocks are expected to last for 2 months in the mixed farming zone and one month

in the Agro-pastoral. In a normal season when household have normal stocks, stocks last for 3-4

months in the Mixed and Agro-pastoral livelihood zones. Learners who are still at home after

schools were closed due to COVID-19 have also contributed to reduced food stocks.

Some trader especially small-scale shops and restaurants closed as a result of the COVID 1-9

pandemic. Some of the hygiene guidelines being followed include hand washing and use of

sanitizers while entering shops and other stock centers, taking of body temperature, wearing of

masks and observing social distance.

7

3.1.3 Livestock Production

The major livestock reared in the County are cattle, goats, sheep, camels, donkeys and poultry.

These animals are kept across all the three livelihoods zones and are kept mainly for milk, meat,

hides and eggs. Livestock production contributes approximately 69 percent to cash incomes in the

Pastoral Livelihood Zone, 30 percent in the Mixed Farming Livelihood Zone and 26 percent in the

Agro- pastoral Livelihood Zone. Cattle, goats and sheep contribute to 25 percent, 40 percent and

30 percent to cash incomes in the Pastoral Livelihood Zone respectively. In the Agro-pastoral

Livelihood Zone, cattle, goats and sheep contribute to 25 percent, 30 percent and 28 percent to

cash incomes. In the Mixed Farming Livelihood Zone, cattle contribute 55 percent to cash incomes

and 49 percent to food. Cattle are mainly kept for milk and meat, while sheep and goats are reared

for sale. Over 70 percent of all the cattle in the county are of indigenous breed. Since 2019, the

county government-initiated breeding improvement programs for dairy cattle in the Mixed

Farming Livelihood Zone and the Agro-pastoral Livelihood Zone of the county; Sahiwal bulls and

Galla bucks were introduced to improve cattle and goat breeds in the Pastoral Livelihood zone.

The first-generation cross breeds offspring are already realized among households in all the

livelihoods zones. This will improve the livestock breeds, improving milk and meat production,

reducing food insecurity. The prolonged rainfall resulted into adequate pasture and water for

livestock thus good body conditions and increased milk productivity.

Forage condition

Pasture and browse condition was generally good because of the sustained rainfall experienced in

agro pastoral, pastoral and mixed farming zones. The livestock had enough pasture and this

contributed to good health and high production compared to the recent years. Despite the invasion

of locust in North Pokot it didn’t affect much on pasture and browse. Measures on covid-19 did

not have any negative effects on access to pasture and browse. Currently, browse available is above

normal as a result of the continued good rainfall and distribution realized.

Table 4: Pasture and browse condition in the County Pasture Browse

Livelihood zone

Condition How long to last (Months)

Factors Limitin

g

access

Condition How long to last (Months)

Factors Limiting

Access

Curre

nt

Norm

al

Curre

nt

Norm

al

Curre

nt

Norma

l

Curre

nt

Norma

l

Pastoral Good Good 2mont

h

1.5 Bushes

/

Weeds

Good good 3 2 bushe

s

Agro pastoral

Good Good 4 3 N/A Good Good 3 3 bushes

Mixed

farming

Good Good 4 4 N/A Good Good 3 3 Land

tenure

Livestock Productivity

8

Body condition

Livestock body condition is good across all livelihoods zones attributed to availability of adequate

pasture and browse for livestock and improved water availability compared to the past years.

Livestock body condition is expected to remain stable across the livelihood zones over the next

three months. The good body conditions will positively impact on livestock reproduction,

productivity and market value of live animals.

Table 5: Livestock body condition Livelihood

zone Cattle Sheep Goat Camel

Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal

Pastoral Good fair Good fair Good fair Good fair

Agro-

pastoral

Good Good Good Good Good Good

Mixed

Farming

Good Good Good Good Good Good

Tropical livestock units (TLU) and Birth rates

TLUs remained normal at 10 TLU in pastoral livelihood zone, 2TLU and 5TLU in mixed farming

and Agro-pastoral livelihood zones respectively. However, this could improve due to reduced

livestock marketing activities as result of COVID-19 restrictions. Birth rates and calving intervals

remained normal across all livelihood zones and are expected to improve.

Table 6: Tropical Livestock Units (TLUs) by household income groups

Livelihood

zone

Poor income households Medium income households

Current Normal Current Normal

Pastoral 10 10 8 10

Agro-pastoral 5 5 5 5

Mixed farming 2 2 2 3

Milk Production, consumption and prices

Currently the milk production is adequate at household level across all the livelihood zones. This

is because livestock have not yet migrated due to the availability of water, pasture and browse.

The price of milk is generally low in mixed farming, pastoral and agro pastoral zones because

there is limited demand. Most households have enough milk for their families because pasture,

browse water is available. Milk in pastoral areas is consumed unlike the agro-pastoral and mixed

farming who sell to meet their daily needs. However, producers are currently depending on

hawkers to sell their milk as result of COVID-19 restrictions to marketing, thus lowering expected

household income from milk sales.

Table 7: Milk production, consumption and farm gate prices in the County

9

Livelihood

zone

Milk Production (Litres)

/Household

Milk consumption (Litres)

per Household

Prices (Ksh)/Litre

Current LTA Current LTA Current LTA

Pastoral 1 0.5 1 1 75 90

Agro-pastoral 2 1 2 2 60 75

Mixed farming 3 2 2 3 45 60

Livestock Migration

Countywide, Livestock migration has not been reported in any of the 3 livelihood zones. Normally,

livestock would have migrated to different routes as per the livelihood zones month in search of

water and pasture especially the pastoral livelihoods living in Pokot central and Pokot North. Only

40 percent of livestock mainly cattle in-migrated, from Uganda while the rest were locked out due

to COVID-19 movement restrictions at the borders.

Livestock Diseases and Mortalities

Livestock disease outbreaks were reported in different parts of the county. Black water in mixed

farming zone, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD was reported in

South Pokot sub county: Lelan, Tapach, seker and Chepareria Wards. In North Pokot LSD was

reported in Suam, Kapchok and Kodich Ward. Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) was reported in

Seker, Lomut and some parts of Kasei ward. The Veterinary Services responded by treating the

affected animals and vaccinating the rest. This was implemented in collaboration with Non-

Governmental Organizations such ACF and these interventions are on-going. Few livestock

mortalities were reported in various parts of the county where disease outbreaks had occurred. The

landslides/floods that occurred in chesegon in Central Pokot sub-county between April and May

resulted to livestock deaths in the affected area.

Water for Livestock

The main sources of water for livestock are rivers, streams, water pans, lagas shallow wells and

boreholes. In pastoral and agro pastoral zones, the current sources of water for livestock are rivers,

lagas, boreholes, streams and water pans. Livestock in mixed farming areas source their water

from rivers, streams and shallow wells. The water volumes in these sources were well recharged

at above 75percent in all the watering points. The current trekking distance from grazing areas to

water points is shorter compared to normal. In agro-pastoral and pastoral livelihood zones, trekking

is 1 and 2 kilometers respectively while in the mixed farming areas, the trekking distance is less

than kilometer. The frequency of watering livestock in Pastoral and Agro-pastoral areas is 5-6

times a week while in mixed farming areas, watering frequency is daily.

Table 8: Water for livestock

Livelihood zone Return trekking distances

(Kms)

Expected duration to last

(Months)

Watering frequency (cattle)

Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal

Pastoral 2 3 3 2 6 5

Agro pastoral 1 2 4 3 7 6

Mixed farming <1 1 5 4 7 7

The available water is expected to last up to 3 months in pastoral livelihood zone compared to 2

months normal and up to 5 months in mixed farming zone compared to 4 months normal.

10

3.2 Access

3.2.1 Markets and Trade

Market operations

The main livestock markets are Kishaunet in the Mixed Farming Livelihood Zone, Chepareria,

Ortum, Sigor and Lomut in the Agro-pastoral Livelihood Zone and Orolwo, Nakujit and Kacheliba

in the Pastoral Livelihood Zone. The main food commodity markets are Makutano, Chepareria,

Chepkopegh, Ortum, Orolwo, Kaibichbich, Kacheliba and Amakuriat. Food commodities are

mostly supplied internally especially from Makutano, Kishaunet, Chepnyal, Cheptuya, Kasei and

Kongelai markets. All formal livestock markets were closed from April 2020 to date as part of

measures towards containing COVID 19 pandemic. However, few small stocks are being availed

to the markets though informally. Market volumes have reduced due to restriction of movements

to and from Uganda. The current supplies are mainly from local production. About 70 percent of

households in the Pastoral areas are relying on market purchases while most of the households in

the Mixed farming and Agro-pastoral zones still have stocks left.

Maize price

The average market price of maize in

the county is Ksh. 44 per Kg

compared to the LTA of Ksh. 48 per

Kg. Average maize prices in the

Mixed farming is Ksh. 50 per Kg

while in the Pastoral and Agro-

pastoral zones, maize price is Ksh.

40 per Kg. Prices have remained

below 2019 and LTA from January

to June as a result of lack of external

buyers due to COVID-19 that led to

restriction of movement in the border with the Republic of Uganda. Schools who are also major

consumers were also closed hence reducing demand. Price of maize has been increasing from

January to June but reduced in July attributed to early harvests from local production and is

comparable to previous years. Maize price is projected to reduce as harvesting season has already

begun. Figure 3 shows the trend of maize prices.

Goat price

The average market price for a

medium-sized goat is Ksh. 4,630.

The current price is 39 percent above

the five-year average of Ksh. 3,138.

Prices are slightly higher in the

Pastoral zone averaging Ksh. 5,000

compared to the Mixed farming and

Agro-pastoral zones where an

average goat is selling at Ksh. 4,500.

High goat price is attributed to good

body condition and reduced pressure

0

10

20

30

40

50

60Ja

n

Feb

Mar

Apr

May Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

No

v

Dec

Pri

ce (

Ksh

. / kg)

Average (2015-2019) 2019 2020

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

No

v

Dec

Pri

ce

(K

sh.)

Average (2015-2019) 2019 2020

Figure 3: Trend of maize prices

Figure 4: Trends of goat prices

11

to sell goats for school fees as the schools are closed. Goat prices are on the upward trend as shown

in figure 4 and are expected to remain

high.

3.2.2 Terms of trade (ToT)

During the month of July 2020,

households were able to purchase 99

Kgs of maize with the sale of one

medium-sized goat. Normally,

households would access 65Kgs of

maize with the sale of a goat at this

time of the year as indicated in figure

5. Pastoral areas are able to purchase

125 while Mixed farming are able to

purchase 110 Kgs of maize with sale of

a goat. ToTs are expected to remain

high as maize prices reduced while got prices remain high.

3.2.3 Income Sources

The current main income includes sale of livestock and farm produce. Trade especially on a market

days is also a major source of income. Due to closure of markets and movement restrictions, labour

opportunities have largely decreased.

3.2.4 Water Access and Availability

Major water sources

The current main sources for domestic

water in most livelihood zones are rivers

and boreholes and springs in exception of

pastoral zone where springs are not

available. Water pans are among the main

water sources in the Pastoral areas. The

current sources are the normal sources at

this time of the year. All rivers and springs

flowing while only 11 and 8 percent of

boreholes and water pans are not operational respectively. Localities of non-operational boreholes

include Lokii Kaplakin, Kalukuna, Kopeyon, Kadera, Abilhiap, Kauriong, Otuko, Lobiroi,

Marich, Kodich Polytechnic, Akelin, Kasei centre and some parts of Endough ward. Localities of

non-operational water pans include Kanyerus and some parts of Endough ward. Non-operational

boreholes are due to breakdown of gen-sets, vandalism of solar panels and lack of spare parts for

Duba pumps that are not locally available. Non-operational water pans are due poor siting hence

not able to collect water.

Most sources were recharged up to 80- 90 percent of their capacity due to high rainfall amounts

during the season and water pans are expected to last for the last four months as normal. Rivers

are experiencing high flows as the County continues to receive rains. Areas with very few waters

sources include Nyang’aita in Masol ward and Kasitet in Alale ward. Sources serving high

populations between 3,000 and 3,600 persons include DO’S B/h, Kamketo Bh, Chepkondol spring

20%

24%

19%

22%

6%

7%

2%

Proportion of Households relying on various water sources

Rivers

Traditional River wells

Boreholes

Pans and Dams

Springs

Traditional water wells

Natural Ponds

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Kilo

gra

ms

of

maiz

e

exch

an

ged

fo

r a g

oat

Average (2015-2019) 2019 2020

Figure 5: Terms of trade

Figure 6: Main sources of water for domestic use

12

while Katikomor Bh is serving an additional 1,000 persons from the normal 5,000 persons. The

increased population being served is either due to on-going construction activities, growing market

centres and upgraded solar technology hence making collection of water easier.

Water points whose population has reduced by about 1,000 persons and serving between 2,000

and 2,500 persons include Ngenchwa BH and Chebon spring. Chepnyal solar borehole which

normally serve about 10,000 persons is currently serving about 6,000 persons due to close down

of nearby schools and churches as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

Distance to and waiting time at the water sources

Return distances to water sources in the Mixed farming zones remain between 0.2-1Km while

return distances in the pastoral and agro-pastoral areas have reduced from the normal 4-6km to 2-

4Km. Areas with exceptional with very few waters sources are currently relying on scooping

traditional shallow wells hence distances are still low. The current waiting time at the water source

across all livelihood zones range between 5-15 minutes.

Cost of Water

Most households are relying on open water sources and boreholes which are free. However,

Konyao borehole is charging between 200 and 500 shillings per month. About 10 percent of

households in urban centres are relying on water supplied by vendors who charge transportation

charge of 10-20 shillings per 20 litre jerrican which is normal at this time of the year.

Water Consumption

The average water consumption remains stable in the Mixed farming zone average 20-25 litres per

person per day (lppd) while consumption in the Agro-pastoral zones has improved from the normal

10-12lppd to 15 lppd. Consumption levels are still within the normal range of 10-12 lppd in the

Pastoral areas.

Food Consumption Score (FCS)

81.3 and 18.7 percent of households have acceptable and borderline Food Consumption score

(FCS) during the month of July, 2020. 68.9 percent of households in the Pastoral zone have

acceptable FCS while 31.1 percent have borderline FCS. All households in the Agro-pastoral zone

have acceptable FCS. During the last three months, FCS has remained stable. Acceptable score

implies that households were consuming at least a staple and vegetables on a daily basis

complemented by a frequent consumption of pulses and oil.

3.2.6 Coping Mechanisms

The coping strategy index for the county in July averaged 1.49, an improvement from the month

of June when the index was 1.6. However, households in the Agro-pastoral zones has a higher

rCSI of 3.5 during the month of July. 68.7 percent of households are not employing any strategies.

31.3 percent of households are employing emergencies coping strategies. More households are

engaging in insurance strategies compared to the last two months indicating a worsening situation.

The index implies that about 1.7 percent of the population is engaging in consumption-related

coping strategies. The main coping mechanisms employed include reduced reliance on less

preferred/less expensive foods.

13

3.2 Utilization

3.3.1 Morbidity and Mortality Patterns

The Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI), diarrhoea and Malaria cases for both under five

populations and the general population treated during the season were 130,296, 30,343 and 74491

respectively. Total cases of URTI for both the under-fives and general population between January

and June 2020 were higher compared to 2019 but less than 2018. Cases of URTI have been

increasing from January 2020 to March with a slight drop in April. However, an increase was

observed from May while maintaining a similar trend compared to the last three years. Total cases

of diarrhoea for both the under-fives and the general population decreased compared to the three

years. Decrease in diarrhoea is attributed to enhanced hand washing practices in the community

due to COVID 19 awareness on hygiene and sanitation. Total Malaria cases for both the under-

fives and the general population between January and June were highest compared to the last two

years. Malaria cases have been decreasing between January and May but slightly increased in

June 2020. The trend is similar with the last two years when cases decrease until April. y avoidance

of health facilities for fear of COVID-19 pandemic.

However, COVID-19 pandemic seems to have no influence on the increased cases of both URTI

and malaria for both the general population and under-fives. 74 cases of measles epidemic diseases

were reported between January and June 2020 compared to one case that was reported in the same

period of 2019. Areas that measles cases have been reported include Alale ward, Suam Ward and

Masol Ward in North Pokot and Central Pokot respectively. Increase in measles is attributed to

stock out of measles vaccine, faulty KEPI fridges in 8 health facilities and long distance to the

facility. Cases of dysentery between January and June 2020 were 650 compared to 784 cases in

2019. Cases of typhoid between January and June 2020 increased by 44 percent compared to

12,371 cases reported the same period of 2019. Increase in typhoid cases is attributed to household

consuming unsafe water. The average distance to the nearest health facility is 15Km.

Under-five year old mortalities rates (U5MR) and crude mortality rate (CMR) between January

and June 2020 average 0.038 and 0.031 respectively. U5MR rates have increased compared to a

similar period in 2019 when U5MR was 0.021 while CMR have remained stable from 0.036

recorded in 2019 during a similar period.

3.3.2 Immunization and Vitamin A supplementation

The immunization coverage between January and June 2020 was 22.7% percent a decrease

compared to 45.7 percent for a similar period in 2019. There was observed low measles coverage

at 28.5% in 2020 because of stock outs of measles vaccine. The decrease could be attributed to

low prevalence of immunization coverage was attributed to poor health seeking behavior, long

distance to health facilities, stock out of measles antigen, in addition to the effects of COVID-19

containment measures and suspension of outreach services . Coverage of Vitamin A

supplementation for children aged 6 to 59 months reduced during the season of analysis (at 76.0%)

in 2020 compared to a similar period in 2019 at 45.7%. The proportion of children who received

Vitamin A supplementation children aged 6-11 months and 12 to 59 months in the last 6 months

was 98.1percent and 31.9 percent respectively. Vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6-11

months and 12 to 59 months for a similar period in 2019 was 104 and 68.1 percent respectively.

The decline in Vitamin A supplementation coverage is attributed to the general low uptake of

health services especially vitamin A as parents avoided the health facilities due to COVID 19

14

pandemic. Both immunization and Vitamin A supplementation coverage remains below than the

national target of 80 percent.

3.3.3 Nutrition Status and Dietary Diversity

The CHANIS data which shows trends over time indicates a stable trend from January to June

2020 with the Month of June recording 0.027 percent. The cases recorded are far much below the

previous years. Very low cases of underweight could be attributed to low uptake of health services

as parents avoided the health facilities due to COVID 19 pandemic. The proportion of children at

risk of malnutrition in the month of March 2020 was 2.5 percent compared to the long-term

average (LTA) of 12 percent. Due to disruption of health services as a result of COVID-19

measures, MUAC screening has not been possible. The LTA in the month of July is nine percent

with cases expected to decrease due to early crop harvest. According to community interviews

conducted, most households are consuming three meals in Mixed farming and Agro-pastoral zones

and two meals in the pastoral areas in a day comprising of Ugali, vegetables, meat, milk, beans,

porridge and potatoes. Admissions to supplementary feeding program (SFP) and Outpatient

Therapeutic Program (OTP) were 2,057 and 1,233 respectively in2020, a decline compared to

4,258 and 1521 admissions to SFP and OTP respectively in 2019. Decreased admissions are

attributing to low attendance of clients to the health facilities and stock for SFP commodities in

the county. SFP stock out is due to exit of WFP from the county and the county government was

unable to procure commodities. The rate of early initiation to breastfeeding was 95.5 percent while

exclusive breastfeeding rate was 39.9 percent far below the national average of 80 percent.

Minimum Meal Frequency for children 6-23 months fed in a day was at 29.3 percent while

minimum dietary diversity for children 6-23 months day was 25 percent (Knowledge, Attitude,

Behavior and Practice (KABP) Survey 2017).

3.3.4 Health and Nutrition Sector in COVID -19 Context

The onset of COVID-19 brought fear and apprehension among community members, especially

on any newcomer to the village even their own, if they have been away. There was a lot of fear

and avoidance of health facilities, especially when a rumor exists, but fortunately the tests have

been turning negative.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced uptake of health services in the static health facilities

due to COVID 19 measures in place, this has also affected uptake of nutrition services. The county

has 120 static health facilities, during the period January to June 2020, 8 health facilities were

closed due to the staff being on maternity leave, and there was no replacement made. The 112

health facilities continued to offer health and nutrition services with COVID 19 IPC measures like

hand washing, wearing face mask and keeping social distance.

Outreach services are supported by different actors such as KRCS -15, ACF - 46, THS-70 and

Rotary doctors-20 outreaches. However, KRCS supported outreach sites ended in February 2020

due to funding while THS outreaches are inconsistent. The outreaches are ongoing in the

community with strict MOH guidelines of maintaining social distance, sanitization and mask

usage.

The department also adopted one child one MUAC tape in the outreaches and improvised pants

just to reduce any close contact. Through the community health platform by CHVs, community

services are ongoing with the CHVS acting as agents to teach community on health and Nutrition

education, distributing health leaflets, some are also utilized at the border point to screen any

15

entrant to the county. Health services were disrupted and as a result, professionals could not carry

out Malezi bora and ECDE vitamin A supplementation.

Reporting and request for nutrition commodities for SFP and OTP is done online through LMIS.

The county has had stock out for SFP commodities due to lack of partner to support in procuring

the commodities. The county has been receiving RUFT commodities through KEMSA, in addition

ACF procured 1800 cartoons of RUF to support IMAM program. This has enabled the county to

report Zero stock out for OTP supplies. The county has inadequate supply of COVID response

supplies such as PPEs,

3.3.5 Public interventions, risk communication and community level actions

The County through the Health ministry with partner support have implemented various

interventions, including, market center spraying with antiseptics, distribution of water tanks for

hand washing, distribution of masks although not all areas have been covered. The sector has been

up-scaling enforcement of public health guidelines to ensure social places adhere to the regulations

in social places such as supermarkets, banking halls, religious gatherings, funerals, public transport

etc. Screening and provision of sanitation facilities such as hands washing facilities and soap at

border points is on-going. Radio talks have been ongoing on nutrition in COVID-19 and other

health matters. However, community members are no longer adhering to strict MOH protocols of

social distancing, hand washing mask wearing and sanitization. The pandemic has led to young

mothers due to increased cases of teenage pregnancies, borrowing of food from neighbours and

relatives. The pandemic has led to improved hygiene and sanitation through regular hands washing

with soap.

Social safety net programs in the health and nutrition sector include provision of supplementary

feeds e.g FBF, food aid through provision of cereals and pulses and cash transfer for adults aged

60 years and above. Due to limited traders dealing with milk and other food commodities, locally

produced products are being consumed at household level.

3.3.6 Coordination and leadership in COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response

To mitigate the effects of the COVID- 19 pandemic on access to essential health and nutrition

services, the County has taken the issue of COVID-19 seriously by training all front line health

workers on how to manage the pandemic by availing protective clothing in terms of masks and

sanitizer to all health care workers, full protective gear for the staff attending to suspected cases

which all have turned negative and creating isolation center (Kapenguria ECD300 BED) though

not fully equipped.

During the COVID 19 pandemic nutrition coordination forums such as CNTF and the in charges

meetings have been ongoing both face to face and virtual meetings. In the period January- June

2020 a total of 4 CNTF meetings have been held; 3 face to face meetings and 1virtual meeting.

The meetings have been instrumental in tracking progress for nutrition indicators and sharing

updates on nutrition services in the context of the pandemic.

The county has the COVID 19 technical working group which hold weekly meetings to plan for

preparedness and response of the pandemic.

3.3.7 Hygiene and Sanitation

16

The main sources of water in the community include surface water, earth pans/Dams, unprotected

shallow wells, unprotected dug wells/laga and rivers. All main water sources are at risk of

contamination effects of open defecation with little or no water treatment done. Only 24 percent

of the households draw water from safe water sources.

Majority of the households practice open defecation at 45.4percent especially in pastoral and agro-

pastoral livelihood zones. Majority of households in the mixed farming majorly disposes human

waste in pit latrine. Domestic waste is disposed in pits or burning. The latrine coverage for the

county is at 48 percent. More latrine coverage is concentrated in mixed livelihood zones whereas

few are found in agro-pastoral and pastoral livelihood zones respectively. Hands washing practices

at 4 critical times are 7.5 percent and insignificant increase from 7.2 percent the in 2019. This

explains the high cases of diarrhea in the county.

The community basically collects water using 20 litre plastic jerrican and store using the same

containers. Majority of the community use containers without lids. Methods of water treatment in

the community include; chemicals, boiling and pot filters. Only 10 percent of the household treat

water before drinking. The methods of treating water in the households was as follows:- boiling:

59.6 percent, treatment chemicals: 36.8 percent and pot filters 1.8percent. Water treatment is

commonly practiced in mixed farming compared to agro-pastoral and pastoral respectively. This

is owed to the level of education and water availability. Dumping of waste into water sources such

as rivers and dams contribute to further contamination.

3.2 Trends of key food security indicators

Table 9: Food security trends in West Pokot County

Indicator Short Rains Assessment,

Feb. 2020

Long Rains Assessment,

Feb. 2020

Distance from source(km) Mixed farming: 2Km

MMF: 2-4Km

Pastoral: 6-8km

Mixed farming: 0.2-1Km

MMF: 2-4Km

Pastoral: 4-6Km

Waiting time (min) Mixed farming:0-20

MMF: 30

Pastoral:30-60

Mixed farming:less than 5

MMF: less than 15

Pastoral:5-15

Consumption (Litres per

person per day)

Mixed farming: 15-20Lppd

MMF: 10-15Lppd

Pastoral:5-10Lppd

Mixed farming: 20-25lppd

MMF: 15lppd

Pastoral: 10-12Lppd

Goat Prices Average County price:

3,500Ksh.

Average County price: Ksh.

4360

Maize prices/Kilogram Average County price: Ksh.

27/kg

Average County price: Ksh.

44/Kg

Terms of Trade Average County ToT: 111kg

Mixed farming:

Average County ToT:99Kgs

Livestock Body condition Fair for all livestock species Cattle: Good to fair

Sheep, Goat, Camel: good

Milk Production Mixed farming: 2.5litres/HH MF: 3liters/HH/day

17

MMF: 1.5L/H/day

Pastoral:1L/H/day

MMF: 2

Pastoral:1

Migration (Out/In migration) From Pokot North to Turkana

South, Pokot North to Eastern

Uganda and Pokot Central to

Pokot North to Uganda.

No Migration (Covid-19)

Livestock Disease outbreak Lumpy Skin Disease, CCPP,

PPR

Lumpy Skin Disease, FMD,

PPR

FCS (NDMA) Acceptable: 69% Acceptable: 81.3%

Borderline: 18% Borderline: 18.7%

Poor: 13% Poor: 0%

3.5 Education

3.5.1 Enrolment

Enrolment was stable enrolment in the month of March prior to school closure due to COVID-19

pandemic. Enrolment for girls in ECDE was higher at 50.2 percent compared to boys at 49.8

percent. There were no notable transfers at ECDE level. Most of the ECDE centres, particularly

the feeder ones had no classrooms and the learning was taking place in churches and under trees

mainly in Pastoral and Agro-pastoral livelihood. The ECDE centres did not have any form of

school feeding program during that period. A few schools mainly in mixed farming and urban

centre had arranged to have some feeding program supported by the parents.

In primary school level, there were more boys than girls with boys being 50.2 percent. The stable

enrolment was mainly attributed to food presence at home and feeding program in most schools

(RSMP in the entire county), HGSMP in some schools and presence of low cost boarding primary

schools in some parts of the county.

Table 10: Enrolments for term III 2019 and Term 1 2020

There was no notable inter sub-county transfers since most school had been provided with food.

A few learners were transferring to low cost boarding primary schools. In secondary school the

enrolment was stable in comparison to the previous period mainly attributed to affordable fees due

to government subsidy, allocation of bursaries by county government, national government,

partners and the national government 100 percent transition policy. It was also noted that more

students were transferring from boarding to day schools because of low fee charged.

There was increase in attendance rate in term one 2020 compared to third term 2019 for ECDE

with boys increasing by 6.8 percent while girls increased by 4.8 percent. Attendance at primary

school level increased by 2.3 percent and 2.7 percent for girls and boys respectively. Increase in

Term III 2019 Term I 2020

Enrollment № Boys № Girls Total №Boys №Girls Total

ECD 38835 39426 78,261 39,337 39,932 79,269

Primary 91,446 90,623 182,069 94,190 93,343 187,531

Secondary 18,161 15,016 33,177 20,866 18,134 39,000

18

attendance by both boys and girls was attributed to availability of food at home and at school as

well as minimal migration experienced during the term. However it was noted that education of

the boy child is more valued in the community as opposed to that of girl child. At n secondary

school level, attendance was stable mainly because of bursaries, fees subsidy and 100 percent

transition policy. It is further observed that absence of sanitary towels among the adolescent girls

had negatively affected their school participation at both primary and secondary schools levels.

3.5.2 Effects of COVID -19 in schools

Prior to COVID-19 pandemic, enrolment in ECD, primary and secondary schools was stable. Most

of the learners in the county do not access e learning from KICD programs due to the fact that

there is poor internet and radio/television connectivity in the county while majority of the

population do not own radio , smartphones, computers and television sets. Some of the parents

were not aware of the presence of e learning programs. The ECDE level of learned recorded nil

participation in e learning.

Table 11: Access e-learning

Sub-county Estimated percentage of learners reached within the county

(based on enrolment at closure in March 2020)

ECD Primary Secondary

NORTH POKOT Nil 3 5

CENTRAL POKOT Nil 2 5

SOUTH Nil 10 15

WEST Nil 8 10

TOTAL Nil 5.75% 8.75%

A total of 17 secondary schools, one teachers’ training college and a county government training

institute had been identified /ear marked as quarantine/isolation centres in the county. However

the county had not reported any case of COVID-19 pandemic. In the event that some institutions

will be utilized to manage COVI D-19 cases repairs should be done, fumigation of the facilities to

make them safe for learners and teachers support staff and the entire community should be carried

out. More classrooms facilities should be constructed in these institutions.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic include:

Disruption of learning due to closure of schools

Increased cases of teenage pregnancies

Increased drugs and substance abuse

Involvement of learners in criminal activities

Girls do not access sanitary towels which they were getting while in schools

Children misses meals

Pressure on household resources such as increased feeding while children are at home

Increased child labour –There is increasing cases of door to door hawking and children

being engaged in gold mining

Increased cases of child marriage

Increased case Sex Gender Based Violence and

Increased cases of female genital mutilation (FGM).

19

3.5.3 Effects of Long rains on schools

The long rain resulted to a number of flooding which impacted negatively on the infrastructures.

A total of 89 schools (28 ECDE Centres, 46 primary schools and 15 secondary schools) were

damaged. These institutions require constructions of new classrooms and toilets while others will

need to be repaired. In the event schools are opened before the repairs are undertaken, learners will

suffer when being taught in the open. Table 12 tabulates the number of affected schools.

Table 12: Number of damaged schools by rains Name of sub-county Number

of ECD

centers

Number

of

Primary

schs

Number

of

Secondary

schs

Total Number of

Schools with

damages.

Nature of damaged

infrastructure

WEST POKOT 2 3 7 12 Damaged walls roof, toilets

SOUTH POKOT 10 18 6 34 Damaged walls, roof ,toilets,

learning materials

NORTH POKOT 12 21 NIL 33 Damaged walls, roof ,toilets,

learning materials

CENTRAL POKOT

4 4 2 10 Damaged walls, roof ,toilets, learning materials

TOTAL 28 46 15 89

3.5.4 School Feeding All school in the county were enrolled on the Regular School Meal Program (RSMP). All the

schools that were benefiting from ECDE Fortified food had not received food during the

assessment period. RSMP was benefiting 94,190 boys and 93,343 girls totaling to 187,53 pupils

in entire West Pokot County. All the primary school still have food stuff in their stores. The

feeding program had enhanced enrolment, retention and improved school attendance. However,

there were no school meals for ECDE learners. The absence of food at school for these levels had

negatively affected enrolment, attendance, retention and transition.

Table 13: School meals program

№ of

schools

with school

feeding

RSMP Total number of

beneficiaries

No. of pupils not on

any school feeding

program

№ Boys № Girls № Boys № Girls № Boys № Girls

NORTH POKOT 135 16,882 14,662 16,882 14,662

CENTRAL

POKOT

157 28,176 28,111 28,176 28,111

SOUTH 172 21,576 21,807 21,576 21,807

WEST 185 27,556 28,763 27,556 28,763

Subtotal 649 94,190 93,343 94,190 93,343

Grand total

(boys + girls)

187,533 187,533

20

3.5.5 Inter Sectoral links where available

Most schools have limited hands washing facility. As a result of flooding and mudslide, the status

of latrines in nearby schools should be assessed. Girls do not access sanitary towels which they

were getting while in schools.

4.0 FOOD SECURITY PROGNOSIS

4.1 Prognosis Assumptions

West Pokot County food security prognosis for the next six months is based on the following

assumptions:

Market disruptions are expected to continue across the County due to COVID-19 outbreak

Food stocks are likely to remain stable due to availability of 2019 stocks, early harvests and

expected good harvests

Forage condition is expected to remain good as off-season rains continues

FEWSNET seasonal forecasts suggest that a below-average October to December 2020 short

rains season is likely.

Livestock prices are expected to remain high as there is reduced demand to sell livestock.

Which are often sold to meet medium cost demands especially school fees and schools are still

closed due to COVID-19 pandemic measures. Maize prices are expected to reduce due to start

of harvesting season.

4.2 Food security outlook for the next six months

Likely trend of food security outcome in the next three months (August – October)

Early harvests in parts of the agro-pastoral and mixed farming are expected to sustain households

hence stable food consumption. The current high livestock prices are expected to increase

households’ purchasing power hence improved food access across all livelihood zones. Given that

most households in the Agro-pastoral and Pastoral livelihood zones are depending on market

purchases, any food gap may be met by the traders. No livelihood change is expected as households

continue to engage in insurance strategies. Nutrition status is expected to remain stable with

increasing milk consumption at household level. Milk will be available as no out-migration is

expected. No abnormal mortalities are expected in the next three months.

Likely trend of food security outcome in the last three months of the six months (November

– January) projection

Food consumption is expected to improve during this period when long rains harvests are expected

to start. Although the short rains are expected to be depressed, pasture and browse will degenerate

and being the peak season for calving and kidding, milk production will be enhanced. No

livelihood change is expected as most households are expected to employ similar livelihood

strategies. No abnormal mortalities are expected. Due to increased milk consumption, nutrition

status is expected to improve with most households consuming three meals in a day.

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

5.1.1 Phase classification

The County is classified under Minimal Food Insecurity (IPC Phase 1) which imply that more than

four in five households (HHs) are able to meet essential food and nonfood needs without engaging

21

in atypical, unsustainable strategies to access food and income, including any reliance on

humanitarian assistance.

5.1.2 Summary of the findings

The main drivers to the current food security situation is attributed to good rainfall performance

which has led to improved water access and agricultural and livestock productivity. However,

COVID-19 Pandemic which has led to livestock market closure that has limited external traders

hence low traded volumes and high cases of teenage pregnancies as a result of schools closure.

Heavy rainfall led to mudslides in Chesegon and border of West Pokot County with Elgeyo

Marakwet County and damage of roads while flash floods destroyed irrigation infrastructure. Fall

Army worm have led to reduced maize production. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to

improved hygiene and sanitation through hands washing and use of sanitizers, reduced cases of

diarrhea, increased livestock herds due to reduced pressure to sell livestock to take care of school

fees and higher livestock prices. However, food security situation has improved compared to the

short rains assessment which was conducted in February 2020.

5.1.3 Sub-County Food Security Ranking

Table 14: Sub-County Food Security Ranking

Sub County Food

security

rank (1-

6)

Main food security threat (if any)

Very Good (5-6) Good (4) Fair (3) Poor (1-2)

1. Pokot North 3 Locust invasion in Alale, measles outbreak in Alale &Suam,

high food prices due to border close down, 60% of livestock

locked in Uganda, high distances to water sources, market

closure, higher teenage pregnancies especially in Sigor, low

immunization & Vit. A coverage, low latrine coverage

2. Pokot

Central

3 Landslide, flash floods , cut-off bridges, measles outbreak in

Masol ward, high distances to water sources, low latrine

coverage, human-wildlife conflict in Nasolot Game reserve

3.Pokot West 3 Fungal disease affecting horticulture, low immunization & Vit.

A coverage, no functional outreaches site, high food prices,

poor road infrustruture in Riwo, Endough & Soak wards thus

hard to access health facilities such as Krich & Kesot

4. Pokot South 4 Leaching, potato bright, fungal disease for horticulture, high

maize prices, higher teenage pregnancies

5.2 Ongoing Interventions

5.2.1 On-going Food Interventions

22

Food relief has been on-going targeting the most vulnerable through the office of the County

Commissioner.

5.2.2 On-going Non Food Interventions

Table 15: On-going non-food interventions

Interve

ntion

Object

ive

Specific

Locatio

n

Activit

y target

Cost No. of

benefici

aries

Implement

ation Time

Frame

Implementation

stakeholders

Livestock Sector

Logistical

support in

livestock

disease

surveillance

, treatment,

de worming

and vaccination

protecti

ng

liveliho

ods

Seker,

Lomut,

Chepare

ria,

Tapach,

Lelan,

Kodich,

Kapchok, Alale,

Suam,

Kasei,

Disease

survilie

nce and

Vaccina

tion

against

PPR,

CCPP,

3,070,9

29

135,390

livestock

13,539

farmers

2019 Aug-

2020 Aug

Action Against Hunger

(ACF), Regional

Livelihoods Resilience

Project (RPLRP)

Training on

Participator

y Disease

Surveillance

Improv

ed

livestoc

k

disease

reporti

ng

South,

North

and

Central

Pokot

veterina

ry staff

and

Commu

nity

Disease

Reporte

rs

5,586,7

99

34

veterinar

y staff

100

Commun

ity

Disease

Reporters

2019 Aug-

2020 Aug

Action Against Hunger

(ACF)

Agriculture Sector

Kaminia/Ko

chiy

Irrigation

scheme

Batei

, pokot

south

4.9M+

County

Government(GOK),DR

SLP(ADB)

Onion Cold

store

Tapach

Pokot

south

1.9M GOK

Procuremen

t of Maize

seeds

County

Wide

40M GOK

Health and Nutrition Sector

Vitamin A

Supplementation

All

immunizing

facilities

4..6 M

103620

Continuous GOH MOH and partners

(ACF, UNICEF)

23

and

mapped

outreach

es

Zinc

Supplement

ation

All

facilities

and poutreac

hes

103620

Continuous GOK and UNICEF

Managemen

t of Acute

Malnutritio

n (IMAM)

The 87

Health

facilities

100,000

000

35000

Continuous GOK and partners(ACF/

UNICEF)

IYCN

Intervention

s (EBF and

Timely

Intro of

complement

ary Foods)

All the

124

health

facilities

5MILLI

ON

28640

Continuous GOK and partners(RED

CROSS/ ACF/

UNICEF)

Iron Folate

Supplement

ation among

Pregnant

Women

All the

124

health

facilities

500000

29862

Continuous GOK

Deworming All

immuni

zing

facilities

2.3

million

121896

2020/21 GOK

Food

Fortification

Local

millers,

retailers,

wholesalers,

open

markets

and

househo

lds

3.4 M

112620

GOK NDU, Private

sector and

partners(ACF/

UNICEF)

CLTS All CUs 5M Continuing GOK, Red

Cross, UNICEF,ACF

3.SANUT

PROGRAM

ALL 1.5 M Continuing GOK,KRC

,ACF,UNICEF

Provision of

water treatment

chemicals

Chesego

n, Parua, Tamkal

On-going ACF

Water Sector

24

Sub

County/

Ward

Intervention Location No. of

beneficiaries

Implementers Cost Time

Frame

Kodich Construction of

mega water pan

Namoni 2200 COG 20 M 2019/2020

Alale Upgrading of

lokitanyala B/H

Lokitanyala 2000 COG 2 M 2019/2020

Buam Upgrading of sitit B/h

Loki 1500 COG 1.9 M

Lomut Pipeline

extension

Chester 800 COG 0.5

M

2019/2020

Lomut Spring

protection

Konghin 450 COG 0.6

M

2019/2020

SIYOI Repair of tank,

construction of

communal

water points,

pipelines supply

of 10 cubic

plastic tank

Ngoleiyo 1000 COG 1.4

M

2019/2020

Batei Ortum market

T/works

Ortum 5000 GOK 9 M 2019/2020

Chepareria Rehabilitation

of intake

Cheptepesha 1000 COG 1.2

M

2019/2020

Lelan Construction of

pipe line

Psiben Kisai 300 COG 0.5

M

2019/2020

Lelan Rehabilitation

of intake

pipeline

rehabilitation

Chemolo 480 COG 1 M 2019/2020

Repair of broken down

b/hs

Kapchok Kodich

3000 COG 0.3 M

2019/2020

Equipping

developing

deilled

boreholes

Gatar

Wamoni

5000 COG 0.6

M

2019/2020

5.3 Recommended Interventions

5.3.1 Recommended Food Interventions

Table 16: Proposed population in need of food assistance

25

Sub-County Population in the Sub-

County (KNBS, 2019)

Pop in need

( percent range min –

max

Proposed mode

of intervention

Pokot North 15-20 Cash Transfers

/Asset creation

Programs Pokot Central 10-15

Pokot West 5-10

Pokot South 5-10

5.3.2 Recommended Non-Food Interventions

Table 17: Table 15: Recommended non-food interventions

Interventi

on

Objective Specific

Location

Activity

target

Cost No. of

benefici

aries

Implemen

tation

Time

Frame

Implement

ation

stakeholder

s

Livestock Sector

Holding ground

rehabilitation(su

rveying fencing

construction of

office/bomas):R

uno

Weiwei

ward

Central

pokot

15,000,

000

2020/2021 County

government

Poultry supply To

promote

food

security

and

income.

All wards 20,

000,00

0

New County

government

Wool sheep merino

To improve

income

generation

South Pokot 4,000,000

new

Boran bulls Improve

cattle

breeds

Central/Nor

th Pokot

15,000,

000

new

Agriculture Sector

Management of

Fall Amy

Worm

County

wide

10M Continious GoK/Stakeh

olders

Support

provision of

farm inputs(

green grams)

Lomut,

central

pokot

Medium

term

GoK/Stakeh

olders

26

Support

provision of

farm inputs(

maize)

County

wide

50M Medium

term

GoK/Stakeh

olders

Support

provision of farm inputs(

beans)

Masol(Nya

ngaita) , pokot

central

1M Medium

term

GoK/Stakeh

olders

Desert Locust

control

Alale, pokot

north

1M By April

2020

GoK/Stakeh

olders

Support to

provision of

water pumps

and pipes

Sekerr-

Orwa

,Pokot

central

By 2022 GoK/Stakeh

olders

Water Sector

Supply 5,000 lts

tank in market centre

Tinyinei ,

Suam

0.4M+ 5000 2020/2020

1

Supply 5,000 lts

tank in Kodich

centre

Kodich 0.4M+ 1000 2020/2020

1

Supply 5,000 lts

tank in Ama

Amakunat ,

Alale

0.4M+ 2000 2020/2020

1

Supply 5,000 lts

tank in Konyao

Konyao

,Kapchok

0.4M+ 2000 2020/2020

1

Upgrade

Kapchepkai

borehole

Nataleng,M

nagel

1.7M 1200 2020/2021 COG

Rukei borehole

upgrade

Rukei,

Endough

1.7M 2000 2020/2021 COG

Health and Nutrition Sector

Blanket supplementary

Cheptulel,Tamkal ward,

Ptapach

300,000 ASAP RED CROSS/AC

F/GO

Accelerated

Integrated

outreach

services

Pastoral and

agropastoral

zones acrss

the county

and parts of

mixed

farming

zones

Children

<5

Pregnant

and lactating

mothers

Medium

term

County

Government

,

MOH,Partn

ers (ACF,

KRCS,

UNICEF

27

Cbfci

implementation

Assorted

foods and

livelihood

reestablish

ment

All

livelyhoods

zones

All the

children<5

years

Medium

term

Rebuildin

g livelihood

s

300000 GOK/

PARTNERS

Roll out of

IMAM

surge

model

Health

facilities at

the

pastoral

and agro

pastoral

livelihood

zones (87)

MOH, ACF,

UNICEF

Enhance

Promotion

of appropriat

e MIYCN

Whole

population

(675447)

County

Government

, MOH Partners

(ACF,

KRCS,

UNICEF)

Enhance

Promotion

of

appropriat

e WASH

practices

Whole

population

(675447)

County

Government

, MOH,

Partners

(ACF,

KRCS,

UNICEF)

Role out of BFCI in

communit

y units

8 communty

Units

100,000

County Government

, MOH,

Partners

(ACF

Training

on

integrated

managem

ent of

acute

malnutriti

on

Newly

recruited

health care

service

providers

(120)

County

Government

, MOH,

Partners

(ACF,

Role out

of family

MUAC

15 units

trained

County

Government

, MOH,

Partners

(ACF, Red

Cross )

28

West Pokot County Food Security Technical Assessment Team

No. Name Organization

1. Philip Muraguri -Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation – HQs/

KFSSG – Team Leader

2 Rajab Obama Ministry of Agri., Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives

3 Stanley Tireito National Drought Management Authority (NDMA)

4 Hillary Kapcherui West Pokot County – Water Department

5 Robert Kiplagat West Pokot County – Agriculture Department

6 Leonard Kitelawiyan

West Pokot County – Livestock Department

7 Isaac Lopeli

West Pokot County – Nutrition Department

8. Joshua Kosilei West Pokot County – Education Department

9. Mercy Lomuk ACF

10. Lonah Katul ACF

11. Stephanie Kidulah JWW

12. Elizabeth Cherop UNICEF

Education Sector

School meal for

ECDE

Increased

enrolment

participati

on and

transition

All sub

counties

1085

schools

(79,269

pupils)

MOE,WPC

G,

PARTNER

S

Provision of

face masks to learners in

ECDC, primary

& secondary

Increased

interaction &

protection

against

contractin

g COVID-

19

All sub

counties

1907

schools (305,800

pupils)

MOE,WPC

G, PARTNER

S

Provision of

water to all

ECDE,

Primary and

secondary

schools

Increased

participati

on and

prevention

of COVID

19

All sub

counties

1,133

Schools

(171,572

pupils)

MOWENR,

WPCG,

PARTNER

S