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 2.2.2: Prevalence of malnutrition (<-2 standard deviation from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age (wasting) |
| Series |
Proportion of households experiencing food insecurity, KDHS 2014, 2015/16 KIHBS, KDHS 2022 |
| Metadata update |
10.05.2024 |
| Related indicators |
2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 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 wasting (weight for height <-2 standard deviation from the median) among children under 5 years of age. Concepts: The official SDG indicator is wasting as assessed using weight for height. Wasting can however also be assessed with mid upper arm circumference (MUAC). The indicate is obtained through measurement of weight and height of children under 5 years |
| Unit of measure |
Per cent (%) |
| Classifications |
This indicator is computed at National level and disaggregated to Rural, Urban and sex categories |
| 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 and well-being. Child wasting refers to a child who is too thin for his or her height and is the result of recent rapid weight loss or the failure to gain weight. A child who is moderately or severely wasted has an increased risk of death, but treatment is possible. Child wasting is one of the World Health Assembly nutrition target indicators. |
| Comment and limitations |
The data is also collected in health facilities when children under five are taken for routine immunization and monitoring. |
| Method of computation |
Survey estimates are based on standardized methodology using the WHO Child Growth Standards as described in Recommendations for data collection, analysis and reporting on anthropometric indicators in children under 5 years old |
| 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 |
KDHS 2014: https://statistics.knbs.or.ke/nada/index.php/catalog/65 KDHS 2022 : https://www.knbs.or.ke/publications/ |
| 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 processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control are subjected to a set criteria and standards to ensure conformity. |
| Data availability and disaggregation |
Data available for 2014, 2016, 2022 Disaggregation: National, Rural, Urban, Girls, Boys and County |
| 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 | Jun 18, 2025 |