County gov’t to foot meals for needy learners as Sakaja feeding program kicks off in Nairobi

The Nairobi County government has said it will foot the bills of students unable to afford daily meals offered under the school feeding program launched by Governor Johnson Sakaja last month.

Dubbed 'Dishi na County', the feeding program started this week as schools across the country opened for the year’s third term and is the result of an Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement (IPA) between the county government and the national government.

It will see learners in public primary schools and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres pay a daily fee of Ksh.5 for meals.

According to a communiqué from the county government’s health services department, students unable to foot the daily cost will still have access to meals under cushioning from players in the private sector, individuals and corporate organisations.

“The county will work hand in hand with the private sector, individuals and corporates to fund a nutritionally balanced meal a day for children who are unable to afford,” said the county government.

Additionally, the county said children with special needs will also get personal dietary considerations.

“Children requiring special diet due to various disease conditions, allergies or special needs will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis at the school or ECD centre level after specialised assessment by a medical practitioner,” it said.

The Ksh.1.7 billion IPA will see funds for the program drawn from both the Consolidated Fund and the County Revenue Fund on a 50-50 basis. 

Per the IPA, the National government will through the Education ministry handle capacity building for Nairobi County on management, administration and implementation of the programme.

This includes budgeting, monitoring and evaluating the implementation, guiding school heads, as well as construction and operations of kitchens in schools.

The Nairobi County government will meanwhile be responsible for the day-to-day running of the program.