Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – In a bid to combat malnutrition and enhance access to education, Kenya has launched the largest school feeding program in Africa. The initiative was kicked off on Tuesday by President William Ruto, who indicated the need to address the issue comprehensively. According to Save The Children, about one in four Kenyan children suffers stunted growth due to malnutrition.
The program is aimed at ensuring all Kenyan children can access healthy and nutritious meals while at school. The government has set aside KES 4.3 billion ($39 million) to kick off the initiative, which will prioritize vulnerable children in arid and semi-arid areas.
Speaking at the launch, President Ruto said that the government was committed to ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing basic needs, including nutrition and education. He added that the program would not only contribute to reducing malnutrition but would also help boost educational outcomes and ensure that children can concentrate in class.
The initiative is part of Kenya’s School Feeding Policy, which has been in place since 2017. The policy seeks to ensure that all primary school children receive one meal per day while at school. Since its introduction, the policy has managed to reach 3.4 million children in over 23,000 schools across the country.
Dr. John Mugo, CEO of the Millennium Promise Alliance – Kenya, welcomed the program, describing it as a game-changer in the country’s efforts to address malnutrition. Dr. Mugo noted that poor nutrition can lead to a range of health and educational challenges, including poor cognitive development and low academic performance.
Meanwhile, Save The Children has called on the government to ensure that the program reaches all vulnerable children, including those in informal settlements and urban areas. The organization noted that malnutrition remains a significant challenge in the country, with nearly half of all child deaths being linked to poor nutrition.
In conclusion, the launch of the largest school feeding program in Africa is a significant milestone for Kenya’s efforts to enhance education and reduce malnutrition. The program is expected to benefit millions of children and to contribute to overall health and academic outcomes. The government and development partners must work together to ensure that the program reaches all vulnerable children and that it is sustainable in the long term.
