By Rizwana K | Executive Director
Project Title: Tana River Zero Hunger Initiative
Location: Tana River County, Kenya
Duration: February – March 2026
Thematic Focus: UN Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger
Project Background
Tana River County is one of Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) regions, where recurrent drought, food insecurity, and limited WASH infrastructure disproportionately impact women and children. In 2025,
The SOL Foundation invested in long-term resilience by constructing a solar-powered water bore serving 1,000+ residents in 2025.
Building on that foundation, we launched the *Tana River Zero Hunger Initiative* in Q1 2026 to address immediate nutritional needs while reinforcing dignity and health.
Project Objectives
1.Alleviate acute hunger by providing nutrient-dense food packages to vulnerable households.
2.Support health and hydration through distribution of clean drinking water alongside food.
3.Promote menstrual equity by including reusable sanitation pads to keep girls in school and women engaged in livelihood activities.
4.Strengthen local capacity by delivering all aid through a Kenyan partner and community volunteers.
Implementation Summary
February – March 2026: The SOL Foundation partnered with a community-based organization with deep roots in Tana River County, to design and distribute integrated “Dignity & Nourishment Kits.”
Distribution Model
Over eight distribution drives, our joint team of SOL staff, partner coordinators, and 25 local volunteers reached around 500+ households, impacting an estimated of 2,100 individuals, mostly individuals with disability.
Distribution points were set up at schools, chief’s camps, and the water bore site to ensure accessibility.
Kit Contents: Each household received:
-Food: 10kg fortified maize flour, 5kg beans, 2L cooking oil, 1kg nutrient-dense porridge mix, salt. Designed to cover a family of six for ∼3 weeks.
-Water: 20L jerrycans of treated water, plus refill access at the SOL Foundation bore.
-Health & Dignity: 1 pack of locally-made reusable sanitary pads with educational insert on hygiene and care. Sourced from a women’s cooperative to support local livelihoods.
Connection to Prior Work
This initiative was only possible because of water infrastructure built in 2025. The SOL Foundation’s borehole now serves as both a community water source and a distribution hub, cutting transport costs and ensuring food prep and hygiene are possible. Reliable water access turned emergency aid into sustainable relief.
Impact & Outcomes
| Metric | Result |
| Households Reached | 500+ |
| Individuals Impacted | 2,100 |
| Food Distributed | 5,250 kg staples + oil |
| Water Provided | 7,000 L + ongoing bore access |
| Reusable Pads Distributed | 350 packs, ~1,050 girls/women reached |
| Local Volunteers Engaged | 25 |
| Local Procurement | 100% of food + pads sourced within Kenya
Qualitative Impact
- School attendance among girls improved during distribution weeks, as reported by 3 partner schools.
- Community elders reported reduced water-collection time, allowing women to participate in food-for-work programs.
- Partner organization received logistics training from SOL Foundation staff, building long-term delivery capacity.
Sustainability & Next Steps
While this phase addressed urgent needs, The SOL Foundation’s long-term strategy for Tana River includes:
1.School garden program launching Q3 2026 to improve local food security.
2.Borehole maintenance training for a 5-person water committee elected in June 2026.
3.Expansion of reusable pad production with the women’s cooperative to supply neighboring wards.
Links:
By Rizwana | Executive Director
By Rizwana | Executive Director
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