Kenya – Nairobi To Expand Feeding Plan To Informal Schools, Sakaja Announces

 By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, has announced plans to extend the “Dishi Na County” feeding program to informal schools.

The county boss said the move aims to ensure all students benefit from the initiative regardless of the type of school they attend.

“We shall sit down and see how these schools will be mapped and included in this feeding program,” he said.

The governor made the announcement during the official launch of the third phase of the “Dishi Na County” program in Umoja estate, where he launched a new kitchen.

The launch of the third phase marks a significant milestone for the “Dishi Na County” program, as all public schools in the 17 sub-counties are receiving food.

The program, designed to provide affordable meals to students, has led to the establishment of 17 kitchens county-wide, with seven having been completed just before the start of the third term.

“This is a dream come true. Some thought it was a joke, but now it’s a reality—every sub-county has a kitchen,” said Sakaja.

He emphasized that the program has already begun to impact students positively, with all participating public schools now providing meals to learners for just five shillings.

“Children should not miss school because of meals; we are happy that it is now a reality in Nairobi,” Sakaja added.

The Deputy Governor, Njoroge reaffirmed the county government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises, particularly in student welfare.

“We are determined to deliver on all our commitments, and this feeding program for students is a key part of that. We will deliver,” he said.

Embakasi West Member of Parliament Mark Mwenje Muriithi also voiced his support for the program, highlighting its success in his constituency.

“Previously, we relied on kitchens from other constituencies, but now we have our own kitchen here. This guarantees that more students will have access to food,” Mwenje remarked.

Umoja One Area Member of County Assembly Mark Ronald Mugambi welcomed the opening of the new Umoja One Kitchen, which will provide meals to hundreds of students in the area.

Jane Njoroge Kamari, a headteacher in the area, expressed her gratitude for the program, noting a significant increase in school attendance since its implementation.

“We are thankful that this program is now in our school; we are sure there will be an increase in the number of learners in school,” she said.

With the completion of the 17 kitchens, 152 public primary schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers are now equipped to offer meals to students at the affordable rate of five shillings per meal.