In the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya, where poverty and food insecurity pose significant challenges, a ray of hope is finally shining through the “Dishi Na County” School Feeding Program that was officially launched on 19th June 2023 by His Excellency the Governor of Nairobi City County, Hon. Sakaja Johnson. This program is targeting children enrolled in Public Primary Schools and ECD Centres across the county. The County has set aside KSh. 1.2 Billion to cater for about 250,000 children across the county. Parents will only pay 5 shillings daily while the county will cater for the other costs.
The Governor has also conducted groundbreaking ceremonies for the commencement of the construction of central kitchens across the county where the nutritious meals will be cooked and transported to all the public primary and ECD centres within the County. The kitchens as indicated by the Governor will be constructed in Dagoretti North, Embakasi Central, Embakasi South, Kasarani, Kibra, Makadara, Starehe, Roysambu, Ruaraka, and Westlands Sub-counties starting 20th June 2023.
The impact of this program extends far beyond full bellies. Many young learners in public schools lack concentration and are not able to attend school regularly due to lack of food thus leading to poor academic performance. With the introduction of this feeding program, school administrators and teachers are optimistic about the performance of the learners as they will be more focused and energetic.
The Governor of Nairobi City County Hon. Sakaja has assured the schools administrators that the food will be nutritious and well-balanced to ensure that the children have healthier bodies and stronger immune systems resulting in reduced instances of illnesses among the learners. The program will also enable the learners to attend school more consistently, have their energy levels increased thus better equipping them to learn and reach their full potential.
The “Dishi Na County” School feeding program is also aimed at fostering community engagement and empowerment through the provision of employment opportunities. The unskilled labourers will be selected from the local community during the construction of the kitchens. Additionally, parents and community members will be given the opportunity to contribute their time and skills through cooking and serving the meals. This collective effort will instil a sense of ownership and community pride, reinforcing the idea that education and well-being are shared responsibilities.
Muthangari Primary school in Westlands Sub-County is one of the schools that will have a kitchen to facilitate the “Dishi Na County” feeding program. Most of the learners in the school come from impoverished neighbourhoods hence the feeding program will be a lifeline for them. “We are very grateful and privileged to have the kitchen in our school. This means that the children will be sure of getting a meal at school and the parents too will get job opportunities as cooks and cleaners, “said Ms. Wanjiru, a teacher at Muthangari Primary School. “ This initiative will not only benefit the school and the leaners but the community as a whole and for that we thank our Governor Hon. Sakaja,” she added.
One of the most profound impacts that the schools feeding program aims to have is to break the cycle of poverty. By ensuring children have access to regular meals; this initiative will remove a significant barrier to education. Pupils who are no longer burdened by hunger will fully engage in their studies, remain in school, complete their primary level and proceed to higher education levels with a higher likelihood of breaking free from the cycle of poverty. This will not only empower them as individuals but also strengthen the fabric of the community and contribute to the county’s overall development.
The Governor is calling on partners in the private sector, as well as individuals and foundations, to step up and support the initiative in order to ensure that the students in schools receive a meal each day and to improve their attendance and performance.
The “Dishi Na County” School feeding program will sow the seeds of hope and opportunity for countless children. By addressing hunger, improving nutrition, and creating an environment conducive to learning, this program aims to break down barriers and empower the next generation through the transformative power of a simple meal. As we continue to invest in school feeding programs, we invest in the potential of our children and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous world.
