A school-feeding programme has been initiated by the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya. Taking place in West Pokot County, the programme targets young learners. It entails supplying essential food items to cater for 58 public primary schools. Targeting 45 days, the supplies include 245 cooking oil and 2,251 bags of rice. Also, 979 bags of beans and 98 bales of salt.

The County Director of Education Mr.Wamae pointed out the programme’s possible benefits. “The initiative is aiming to enhance educational outcomes by increasing school enrolment and retention rates. The provision of meals is also anticipated to improve the overall well-being of learners in the county. Thereby this will foster a more conducive learning environment”. Mr Wamae emphasized this during the launch of the food distribution programme in Kacheliba.
County Director of Children’s Services West Pokot Philip Wapopa also appreciated the government’s decision to resume the school feeding programme. He talks of the adverse effects of food scarcity on school enrolment,retention rates, and attendance . “The Department of Children Services has also completed an assessment of schools affected by floods and drought. Mostly in Sigor, Pokot Central Sub-county, and parts of Kipkomo Sub-county.” Says Mr. Wapopa.
Mr. Wapopa, presumes that the launch of the feeding programme in schools encourages children to be in school. It impacts big on enrolment,retention and attendance mostly in for the Early childhood Education centers. He says that availability of food in school iincreases the number of of learners in schools. Also noting that scarcity of food in schools decreses the number of pupils in schools.
Ensuring well being of learners
In Kenya, children and adolescents spend about 75% of the year in school, where they eat more than half of their daily meals. The school-feeding programme is as a critical way to address these challenges. This makes schools an excellent platform for promoting healthy diets. Kenya also aims to reduce malnutrition risks and uphold the constitutional right of children to adequate food and nutrition for learners in West Pokot County. ALSO FIND: Malnutrition Crisis in DRC- Over a Million Children at Risk