Equity Bank Group CEO, Dr. James Mwangi has joined the Global Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition Leadership Council that draws membership from top-level leaders in multi-stakeholder sectors such as government, international organizations, the private sector, civil society and academia. 

Membership in the Leadership Council is by agreement and invitation of the Co-Chairs and Council members to serve for a one-year renewable term.

The ‘New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition’ is a shared commitment by G-8 and African leaders formed in Washington D.C, U.S.A in May of 2012, and aims at achieving sustained and inclusive agricultural growth raising 50 million people out of poverty over the next 10 years.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Mwangi, who is also the Chairman of Vision 2030 Delivery Board, said food security is crucial in achieving the country’s development goals.

“In order to achieve sustained growth and reduce poverty and inequality as outlined in the Vision 2030 blueprint, we need to give special attention to the issue of food security and nutrition,” said Dr. Mwangi.

He added that he supports the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition as its objectives are aligned to Equity Bank’s business model of social economic prosperity for the people of Africa.

The Alliance plans to align the commitments of Africa’s leadership to drive effective country plans and policies for food security and also draws support from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, United Nations agencies; World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The Alliance commits private sector partners to increase investments where the conditions are right, in line with commitment of the G-8 to expand Africa’s potential for rapid and sustainable agricultural growth.

The Council comprises of top-level leaders in multi-stakeholder sectors such as senior government officials like His Excellency, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, His Excellency, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency, President Armando Guebaza of Mozambique. Others include international organizations, the private sector, civil society and research institutions.

According to the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy document, over 10 million people in Kenya suffer from chronic food insecurity and poor nutrition, while between two and four million people require emergency food assistance at any given time. Nearly 30% of Kenya’s children are classified as undernourished, and micronutrient deficiencies are widespread.