Gov’t to intensify school-feeding programme to address drought

The government now says it will intensify food distribution to learners under the School Feeding Programme, in areas severely affected by the ongoing drought.

According to Education Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang’i, made the announcement at Tumaini Primary School in Nyandarua County while on an inspection tour of educational institutions in the area on Thursday, March 9.

Matiang’i, who was accompanied by his Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, Sicily Kariuki, sad that the government is increasing the food ration provision in schools.

He recalled all County Directors and Sub-County Directors of Education who were on leave and attached to affected regions, saying they should be around to coordinate relief efforts in schools.

The initiative will benefit some 3.6 million children in 23 Counties in Arid and Semi-Arid regions. This, according to the Ministry of Education, includes 2,871,930 and 690,152 learners in public primary schools and secondary schools respectively.

CS Matiang’i also revealed that the government will send Ksh 154 million to educational institutions, notably secondary schools in the area as additional support to them to keep the children in schools.

He said head teachers in the affected areas should not send learners away from school on account of school fees.

Among the most affected counties are Baringo, Turkana, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Kwale, Kilifi, Makueni, Samburu, West Pokot, Kwale, Isiolo, Tharaka Nithi, and Marsabit among others.