A delegation from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) visited the Munanda Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) site in Subukia Sub County as part of their field engagements with community health programs supported across Nakuru County. The visit provided an opportunity to observe firsthand how household-level interventions are influencing child nutrition, maternal care, and community health systems.

The visit began with a stopover at the Munanda Chief’s Office, where the USAID team met with members of the Community Mother Support Group (CMSG) and the Sub County Health Team. The session served as a platform to share experiences, highlight community structures supporting maternal and child health, and demonstrate the linkage between community engagement and improved health outcomes.

The field visit’s focus was on showcasing how the BFCI model is implemented at the grassroots level. During a home visit to one of the BFCI mothers, the delegation witnessed how knowledge and behavior change practices are being translated into practical outcomes. The household visit included an inspection of a kitchen garden, which is being used by the family to enhance nutrition and support food security.

The Baby Friendly Community Initiative is a national approach adopted to promote breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and maternal nutrition through community structures. It involves trained Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) who engage families, especially mothers, in regular health education sessions and follow-ups at the household level. The program also emphasizes male involvement, peer support, and collaboration with health facilities.

The Munanda BFCI site is one of several in Nakuru County where the model is being used to address early childhood nutrition challenges. The program supports the County Government’s objective of improving primary healthcare services and strengthening the link between health facilities and households.

The USAID delegation acknowledged the efforts made at the community level to operationalize the BFCI model. Their visit was also part of a wider assessment of ongoing health programs implemented under the USAID Tujenge Jamii project, which supports reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), nutrition, and HIV services in several counties.

This visit aligns with Nakuru County’s efforts to achieve sustainable health improvements through community-led approaches. The Department of Health Services continues to work with partners to integrate nutrition, reproductive health, and maternal care into primary healthcare delivery.

The County remains committed to expanding the BFCI model to additional sites, in line with the broader health agenda championed by H.E. Governor Susan Kihika. Future steps include capacity building for CHVs, support to community health units, and routine monitoring to ensure continuous improvement of service delivery at the household level.