The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) is partnering with stakeholders to focus on promoting healthy growth among children in seven counties situated around Lake Victoria.
This initiative, called the Smart Life Initiative, aims to ensure that children receive optimal care and support during the critical first 1,000 days after birth.
The project, which has already been launched in Siaya County and subsequently in Migori County, will also extend its reach to Busia, Homa Bay, Vihiga, Kisumu, Nyamira, and Kakamega counties.
Martin Sikolia, Director of Administration at LREB, highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing the region’s lag in newborn health indicators compared to national standards.
Emphasizing the significance of early childhood development, the initiative aims to secure a healthy start for children, recognizing its profound impact on education and socioeconomic status in adulthood.
By fostering collaboration among various county departments and stakeholders, the project aims to prioritize child development through leadership, financing, and community awareness.
With a focus on addressing challenges such as poverty, poor health, and malnutrition, the initiative seeks to reverse concerning statistics, such as high infant mortality rates and inadequate registration of births.
Through coordinated efforts across sectors like health, agriculture, education, and the environment, the project aims to improve access to health services and nutrition while reducing child labour and teenage pregnancies.
Monica Ogutu, CEO of Kmet, an implementing partner of the initiative, highlighted strategies such as promoting timely antenatal care visits and encouraging childbirth in healthcare facilities to address these challenges effectively.
By addressing these issues comprehensively, the initiative aims to improve outcomes for children, ensuring better educational performance and future socioeconomic opportunities.
Biko Steve 
Pervil Achieng