Mid-term Evaluation of Maternal and Child Nutrition Programme (MCNP II) in Kenya

Background: Kenya is still facing a triple burden of malnutrition. Malnutrition in Kenya is multi-faceted in nature with health and socio-economic implications. Huge geographical disparities exist, especially, in the arid and semi-arid lands, further exacerbated by factors such as inadequate funding allocation to nutrition sector, challenges in multi-sectoral coordination and nutrition governance. UNICEF’s Maternal and Child Nutrition Program (MCNP II) is a four-year (2018-2022) resilience building, multi-sectoral program focused on pregnant and lactating women, mothers of children under five years and children under five years. The objective of this mid-term evaluation was to establish relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the programme. Methods: : The study adopted a concurrent mixed methods approach, where qualitative information was gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions and quantitative data obtained through desk review of secondary data from various sources. Qualitative information was organized using Nvivo software and analyzed thematically, while descriptive analysis for the quantitative data was undertaken using EXCEL software. Results: : The findings show that MCNP II programme has aligned its efforts to the nutrition situation in Kenya as well as to the Government of Kenya and donor priorities. Most of the planned programme targets were achieved despite operating in COVID-19 pandemic environment. The use of approaches such as family mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), integrated management of acute malnutrition (IMAM) surge model, Malezi bora and Logistic Management Information Management System have contributed to realization of results. Stringent financial management strategies contributed towards programme efficiencies; however, optimal utilization of the resources needs further strengthening. The programme has adopted strategies for strengthening local capacity and promote ownership. Conclusion: The programme is on track across the four evaluation criteria. However, a few suggestions are recommended to improve relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. A formal transition strategy needs to be developed in consultation with multi-stakeholder groups and implemented in phases. UNICEF can explore ‘Delivering as One approach’ and gender transformative approaches with more systematic involvement of males and females in gender-based discussions.