Murang’a county governor Irungu Kang’ata has officially launched a school feeding program in the county targeting about 55 ECDE schools in the county. The program is expected to benefit ECDE children where parents will only need to contribute Ksh. 20 per plate of food for their children.
To achieve it target, the county government is partnering with Food 4 Education Organization to provide subsidized meals and support vulnerable children in public primary schools. The program aims to improve children’s lives and academic performance by ensuring they have access to sufficient nutritious food.
According to Kang’ata, the program is completely voluntary and not a legal requirement, meaning that parents who do not want their children to be part of it are free not to enroll their children in it. He also mentioned that the program aimed at keeping pupils in school by providing them with a balanced lunch, as well as creating jobs and a market for local farmers.
The program which is dubbed Uji program was initiated as a result of requests made by parents to have it expanded in ECDE centers from primary schools. So far Uji program has benefitted 42,000 learners. The pilot program is expected to be conducted for two years, where if proved to be successful, will then be rolled out to all public schools in the county.
During the pilot period, Kang’ata explained that they intent to address any challenges faced while improving it as needed. He also noted the program utilizes existing infrastructure of the Uji program that currently operates 55 kitchens. Additionally, learners participating in the program will be issued with digital wristbands equipped with technology that allows parents to conveniently load money using MPESA.