This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Kenya statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Kenyan statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Kenyan-specific metadata information.
| Goal |
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture |
|---|---|
| Target |
Target 2.2: by 2030 end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving by 2025 the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under five years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons |
| Indicator |
Indicator 2.2.1: Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviation from the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age |
| Series |
Proportion of children moderately or severely stunted, KDHS 2014, 2015/16 KIHBS, KDHS 2022 |
| Metadata update |
2024 |
| Related indicators |
2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 12.3.1 |
| Organisation |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) |
| Contact person(s) |
Senior Manager |
| Contact organisation unit |
Food Monitoring, Nutrition and Environment Statistics Division |
| Contact person function |
Compilation of Food Security and Nutrition Statistics |
| Contact phone |
+254-735-004-401, +254-202-911-000, +254-202-911-001 |
| Contact mail |
P.O. Box 30266 – 00100, Nairobi. Kenya. |
| Contact email |
dps@knbs.or.ke |
| Definition and concepts |
Definition: Prevalence of stunting (height-for-age <-2 standard deviation from the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age. |
| Unit of measure |
Per Cent (%) |
| Classifications |
This indicator is computed at National level and disaggregated to Rural, Urban and sex categories. Wealth Index Level of Education of the mother and age of the mother Employment Status |
| Data sources |
2015/16 Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIHBS) Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS), 2014 and 2022 |
| Data collection method |
Surveys: Use of anthropometric measurements (weight taking and height/length measurement of the child) |
| Data collection calendar |
KIHBS – Every 5 years KDHS – Every 5 years |
| Data release calendar |
KIHBS 2024/25 |
| Data providers |
KNBS |
| Data compilers |
KNBS |
| Institutional mandate |
The 2006 Statistics Act mandates the Bureau to be the principal agency of the Government for collecting, analysing and disseminating statistical data in Kenya and to be the custodian of official statistical information (Section 4.(1)). |
| Rationale |
Child growth is an internationally accepted outcome reflecting child nutritional status. Child stunting refers to a child who is too short for his or her age and is the result of chronic or recurrent malnutrition. Stunting is a contributing risk factor to child mortality and is also a marker of inequalities in human development. Stunted children fail to reach their physical and cognitive potential. Child stunting is one of the World Health Assembly nutrition target indicators. |
| Comment and limitations |
Survey estimates have uncertainty due to both sampling error and non-sampling error (e.g., measurement technical error, recording error etc.,). |
| Method of computation |
Stunting was computed as the total number of stunted children below 5 years divided by total children below 5 years expressed as a percentage as recommended by the WHO Child Growth Standards. |
| Validation |
A wide consultative process is undertaken to compile, assess and validate data on the indicator. |
| Methods and guidance available to countries for the compilation of the data at the national level |
Recommendations for data collection, analysis and reporting on anthropometric indicators in children under 5 years of age (WHO/UNICEF, 2019) WHO Anthro Survey Analyzer |
| Quality management |
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is ISO certified based on 9001:2015 Standard requirements. The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control, are carried out following the methodological framework and standards established by the KNBS, in compliance with the Internationally acceptable standards. |
| Quality assurance |
The KNBS adheres to Kenya Statistical Quality Assurance Framework (KesQAF) that underlines principles to be assured in managing the statistical production processes and output. Data consistency and quality checks are conducted through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) before publication and dissemination. |
| Quality assessment |
The KNBS adheres to Kenya Statistical Quality Assurance Framework (KesQAF) that underlines principles to be assured in managing the statistical production processes and output. Data consistency and quality checks are conducted through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) before publication and dissemination. |
| Data availability and disaggregation |
Data Availability Data available at National level, Rural and Urban, Boys and Girls and County level. Time Series KDHS 2014, KDHS 2022, KIHBS 2015/16 Disaggregation Disaggregated by Rural and Urban, Boys and Girls, County level and household wealth |
| Comparability/deviation from international standards |
None |
| References and Documentation |
KDHS 2014: https://statistics.knbs.or.ke/nada/index.php/catalog/65 KDHS 2022 : https://www.knbs.or.ke/publications/ |
| Metadata last updated | Aug 28, 2025 |