The Nairobi City County Government launched the Dishi na County initiative in June 2023. The program aims to provide nutritious meals to school-going children, ensuring that no child attends school on an empty stomach. With its first meals served on August 28, 2023, the initiative has made substantial strides in its mission over the past year.
A Growing Initiative
Initially, Dishi na County began with the establishment of 10 central kitchens strategically located across the city. These kitchens were designed to prepare and distribute meals to public schools, addressing the pressing issue that one in four children in Nairobi used to attend school without proper nutrition. By January 2024, the initiative expanded, adding another ten kitchens, bringing the total to 17 central kitchens. This expansion has enabled the program to cater to over 310,000 pupils daily, a remarkable achievement considering its humble beginnings.
Under the leadership of Governor Johnson Sakaja, the program has gained momentum, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the welfare of children in Nairobi. By sourcing ingredients from local farmers, such as rice from Mwea and beans from Central Kenya, Dishi na County not only provides meals but also supports the local agricultural economy, creating a sustainable model for food supply and distribution.
Employment and Economic Impact
The Dishi na County initiative has also significantly impacted the local economy, creating over 5,000 jobs in the process. Workers are employed in the central kitchens, preparing meals and transporting them to various schools throughout the county. This job creation has not only empowered individuals but has also contributed to the overall economic development of the region.
During a recent breakfast meeting, Esther Mogusu, the Director of Nutrition, Wellness, and School Feeding in Nairobi County, highlighted the initiative’s successes, stating that 30 million meals have been served since its inception. The meals provided are not just adequate in quantity but are also nutritionally balanced, featuring plant-based ingredients with 550g+ of high protein and high carbohydrates per serving.
A Financially Inclusive Model
One of the standout features of the Dishi na County initiative is its financial model, which aims to make school meals accessible to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. Parents are required to contribute only Sh5 (approximately 15% of the meal cost), with the county government covering the remaining 85%. For families that cannot afford even this nominal fee, the county steps in to ensure that no child goes hungry.
Governor Sakaja has emphasized the importance of nutrition in education, stating, “Our motto, ‘Watoto wakule washibe ile wasome,’ reflects our commitment to ensuring that education is supported by proper nutrition.” By addressing hunger, the Dishi na County initiative aims to keep children in school and improve their overall educational outcomes.
The Tap2Eat Technology
A key component of the Dishi na County initiative is the Tap2Eat wristband system, designed to streamline meal payments and monitor student attendance. Each public school student is issued a tech-integrated yellow wristband containing their identification. This wristband allows parents to load funds directly onto the child’s account via mobile money services like M-Pesa.
During the breakfast meeting, Governor Sakaja noted, “Every shilling is accounted for. As governor, I assure you of the transparency and integrity behind this program.” The wristbands serve dual purposes: they deduct the Sh5 meal fee at each feeding time and help track student attendance.
This innovative technology allows the county government to monitor meal consumption and attendance, ensuring that funds are used appropriately. The system has proven effective, with school enrollment rising by 34% since the program’s launch. The increase in enrollment has prompted the county to work closely with the national government to address the rising demand for classrooms.
Cultural Sensitivity and Food Safety
The success of the Dishi na County initiative is also attributed to its commitment to cultural sensitivity in meal preparation. Wawira Njiru, the Founder and Executive Director of Food for Education, emphasized the importance of considering what children typically eat at home. This approach ensures that the meals served are not only nutritious but also familiar and enjoyable for the children.
Safety is a top priority for the program, with regular inspections of the kitchens to ensure food quality. Daily samples are collected and stored for up to 72 hours, allowing for swift testing in case of any complaints. Njiru reported that complaints are rare, indicating the high standards maintained by the kitchens.
Features of the Tap2Eat Wristband
The Tap2Eat wristband, resembling a watch, has revolutionized the way meal payments are managed in schools. The first wristband is provided free of charge, and parents can easily top up their child’s account through M-Pesa. If a wristband is lost, parents can report it to Tap2Eat representatives at their child’s school for a replacement.
To top up the account, parents follow a simple procedure:
- Go to M-Pesa and select Lipa na M-Pesa.
- Choose Pay Bill.
- Enter Business Number: 956781.
- Input the Tap2Eat account number and the amount.
- Confirm the transaction.
Once the top-up is complete, parents receive a confirmation message indicating that the funds have been deposited into the Food for Education Foundation pay bill. To check their child’s account balance, parents can dial *648# using their Safaricom registered number.
The Tap2Eat system ensures that funds remain in the account if a child misses school or lunch, only deducting the fee when the child is served a meal. This feature reassures parents that their funds are used efficiently.
Conclusion
The Dishi na County initiative has made significant strides in addressing food insecurity among school-going children in Nairobi. By providing nutritious meals, creating jobs, and integrating technology into the school feeding program, the county government has set a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country. With over 310,000 children benefiting from the program, and a clear commitment to transparency and cultural sensitivity, Dishi na County exemplifies a holistic approach to tackling hunger and promoting education.
As Governor Johnson Sakaja aptly stated, “The best way to guarantee the future of Kenya and Africa is to invest in children’s education.” The Dishi na County initiative is a crucial step in ensuring that all children have the nourishment they need to succeed academically and contribute positively to society.
