Nairobi : 29th October 2024
President William Ruto commended Nairobi County’s “Dishi Na County” school feeding program for its impact on student retention and combating food insecurity, as the initiative marked a milestone of 30 million meals served. Speaking at the Global School Meals Coalition ministerial meeting, President Ruto highlighted the importance of school feeding programs in Kenya’s education strategy.
“I am very proud of what Nairobi County is doing in feeding our learners. Food for Education has done a remarkable job to provide for them,” President Ruto said, underscoring the initiative’s role in fostering a conducive learning environment for students.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced that the “Dishi Na County” initiative has reached the milestone of 30 million meals served within 14 months of its launch. This program has provided nourishment to over 310,000 students across 230 public schools in 17 sub counties of the city. During a recent coalition meeting, Governor Sakaja highlighted the program’s transformative impact, particularly for students in informal settlements.
“‘Dishi Na County’ aims to reach even more schools and has already provided over 30 million meals at an affordable cost of just five shillings,” Sakaja noted. He added that no child is ever denied a meal due to inability to pay, thanks to support from partners and the national government.
Since its launch 14 months ago, the program has offered nutritious hot meals daily, a factor Governor Sakaja says has boosted school enrollment by 34 percent. Beyond nourishing students, the initiative has also provided economic opportunities for local farmers and vendors supplying the program with food.
“Thousands of Kenyans now earn a living because of ‘Dishi Na County.’ We buy produce from our farmers across the country and have employed thousands to make this program work,” Sakaja stated.
The program has been a lifeline for Nairobi’s children, bringing both nourishment and joy. Dominic Muirigi, a driver delivering meals to schools in Kibera, shared the heartwarming reception he receives daily. “Even matatus give way to our trucks when they know we’re delivering food,” he said. “Seeing those smiles makes every journey worth it.”
As “Dishi Na County” continues to serve 310,000 students this term, Governor Sakaja lauded the partnerships that have made it possible. “The smiles of these children are the ultimate testament to the program’s impact,” he affirmed.
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