Determinants of animal-source food consumption in children 6-48 months in livestock-keeping households in Narok County, Kenya

Background Malnutrition, encompassing undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, remains a significant public health concern in Africa. In Kenya’s livestock-keeping communities, animal-source foods (ASF) consumption is crucial for improving dietary diversity and meeting nutritional needs, especially among women of reproductive age (WRA) and children. This study aimed to assess dietary diversity, ASF consumption, and their socio-economic determinants among WRA and children aged 6–48 months in livestock-keeping households in Narok County, Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional survey among 774 mother-child pairs from 619 unique households in Narok County assessed dietary diversity using standardized indicators for Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) and Children (MDD-C) based on a 24-hour recall. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify socio-economic factors associated with ASF consumption. Results Among mothers, 68.5% did not meet MDD-W, while 73.7% of children met MDD-C. ASF consumption was higher among children (88.4%) compared to mothers (38.6%). Factors significantly associated with ASF consumption in children included farming systems, savings accounts, food security, and maternal practices. Children in mixed farming households were more likely to consume ASF (OR 3.12, 95% CI: 1.47–7.27). Having a savings account (OR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.09–2.99), food security (OR 2.71, 95% CI: 1.54–4.76), and good maternal practices (OR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08–0.61) were associated with higher ASF consumption. Conclusion The results from this study underscore the need to enhance food security, promote economic empowerment, and enhance knowledge and practices around ASF consumption as critical to improving nutrition among children in livestock-keeping communities.