Nairobi County installs chapati machine as Dishi na County nears 100 million meals

The machine, which has a production capacity of up to 2,000 chapatis per hour, will supply chapatis to public schools on designated days under a distribution schedule aligned with the feeding programme.

Governor Sakaja Johnson said the machine would increase the variety of meals provided under the programme, which currently serves more than 324,000 learners.

“We have 324,000 pupils to serve. A timetable has been put in place and each school will have its day to enjoy chapatis,” Sakaja said.

Dishi na County has served more than 85 million meals since it was launched three years ago and is expected to surpass 100 million meals this term.

The programme provides learners with a subsidised hot meal at Sh5, with the county saying it is intended to reduce the impact of food insecurity on school attendance.

According to the county, the programme currently covers 230 public schools across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties.

Sakaja said the county was also planning to expand the programme to public day secondary schools and develop a framework for serving learners in schools within informal settlements.

“The other frontier is secondary schools, and for informal schools, a plan is underway. We shall be able to deliver. All we need is patience, planning and execution,” he said.

The introduction of chapati adds another item to the programme’s menu as the county prepares to reach the 100 million-meal milestone.

Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Health and Nutrition Suzanne Silantoi said the machine would help increase the variety of meals served to learners.

At Toi Primary Kitchen, manager Angela Muchai said learners had welcomed the addition of chapati to their meals.

“The kids are so happy to have chapati included in their meals. You can really see the joy when they receive their food,” Muchai said.

The county said it will continue to focus on sustaining the feeding programme and expanding its coverage as it approaches the 100 million-meal mark.