First Lady Rachel Ruto has urged leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to increase funding for school feeding programs to support the education and well-being of children in Kenya.
Speaking at Testai Primary School in Nakuru County during the rollout of the pilot phase of the National School Milk Programme, she emphasized that proper nutrition is key to keeping students in school, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
The First Lady’s call aligns with her “Feed One, End Hunger” initiative, which supports the government’s goal of ensuring that 10 million children have access to a decent meal by 2030. She stressed that well-funded feeding programs would not only improve students’ health but also enhance their concentration and overall academic performance.“The future of our nation depends on how well we invest in our children.
A well-fed child is a productive learner, and that is why we must work together to ensure no child goes to school hungry,” she stated.The National School Milk Programme, currently in its pilot phase, aims to provide milk to students in public schools as part of a broader strategy to improve child nutrition.
The initiative is expected to complement existing school feeding programs and encourage more children to attend and stay in school.Stakeholders, including private sector players and development partners, have been called upon to collaborate with the government to expand the program’s reach and sustainability.
The First Lady reiterated that strategic partnerships are essential in addressing food insecurity among school-going children.
The rollout of the school milk program marks a significant step toward achieving food security and improving education outcomes, particularly in marginalized regions. If fully funded, the initiative could play a critical role in ensuring that all children have an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.
