On 4^th of March 2026, the Technical University of Kenya played host to Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN) delegation led by the Regional Director, Mr. Belihu Negesse. The main agenda of the visit was to sensitise academia on IPC and strengthen recognition and uptake of IPC curriculum. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) in charge of Academics and Student Affairs (ASA), Prof. Maurice Amutabi, received the visitors on behalf of the VC, Prof. Benedict Mutua.

IPC-AMN is the global standard for classifying the severity of acute malnutrition, which provides evidence-based data that guides humanitarian response, resource allocation, and policy formulation in food-insecure regions.

The VC underscored TU-K’s commitment in producing graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, globally recognised technical skills. He noted that the training will equip the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST) with expertise that will be integrated into teaching, research, and community engagement. “This will ensure that our institution contributes meaningfully to national and regional efforts in combating food insecurity and malnutrition.”

He further observed, “The importance of this session extends beyond this hall. The expertise acquired here will ultimately benefit the communities and populations that depend on accurate data and timely interventions for their survival and well-being.”

Prof. Mutua emphasized that TU-K values the collaboration and view it as a foundation for future partnerships in research, student attachments and advanced training. He encouraged the faculty to participate fully and use the knowledge and skills acquired in changing the entire university and society.

Prof. Amutabi outlined the university expectations, calling for integration of knowledge into teaching, research, and community engagement. He highlighted the dual burden of malnutrition and mentioned the potential for future collaboration with IPC.

Prof. Francis Gatheri (Executive Dean FAST), provided a context on the University's history and highlighted the strength of its Nutrition and Dietetics Programme. He raised concern over Kenya's food security paradox and affirmed the value of IPC's data-driven approach.

Mr. Negesse, Dr. Judith Munga (IPC-Nairobi) and Lucy Maina (Unicef) gave a technical presentation on IPC-AMN.

The duo delivered a comprehensive technical presentation covering the IPC's origin, four key functions, the five-phase classification scale, the six key questions it answers, data consolidation and mapping processes, the analytical framework for acute malnutrition, and its role in government response.

Other participants were academic members of staff from FAST who included; Dr. Elizabeth Mwaniki, Dr. Janet Malla, Dr. Isaac Okeyo among others.

The team engaged in a discussion on the presentation. Key outcomes included; acknowledgement of IPC's value, reinforcement of the need to understand local drivers of malnutrition, faculty interest in using IPC data for research and curriculum development and a call to revive community education on specific nutritional conditions.