More children in Limuru constituency are set to benefit from an expanded school feeding program, as MP John Kiragu announces plans to extend the reach of the Food4Education initiative. This move aims to support more schools and ensure that every child receives a nutritious meal to enhance their learning experience.
During the Phase 2 launch of the program, held at Kamandura Primary School’s ‘Mega Kitchen’, MP Kiragu highlighted the success of the initial phase and urged parents to be patient as the expansion plans are rolled out. The MP emphasized the importance of the feeding program in keeping children in school and improving their concentration and academic performance.
“Phase 1 of the Limuru Tap2Eat feeding program, which began in March 2023, has been running smoothly across 17 public primary schools. We are now planning to increase the number of participating schools to over 20,” Kiragu announced.
The expansion is part of a broader strategy to address hunger, which remains a significant barrier to academic excellence. By partnering with the non-profit organization Food4Education, the Tap2Eat program leverages a digital mobile platform to provide nutritious meals at subsidized fees using mobile money.
“In partnership with Food4Education, I am committed to ensuring that no child learns on an empty stomach. Hunger should not be a hindrance to education,” Kiragu stated.
The program, which feeds each pupil at a cost of KSh 15 per day, equates to KSh 75 per week, KSh 300 per month, KSh 900 per term, and KSh 2,700 per year. This affordable initiative is designed to be inclusive, with the program sponsoring 10% of the total number of children identified by school management as coming from needy families.
The positive impact of the feeding program is already evident, with increased school attendance and improved learning outcomes reported across the participating schools. As Phase 2 gets underway, the MP is optimistic that the expanded program will continue to support the educational development and well-being of more children in Limuru constituency.
“Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive without the burden of hunger,” Kiragu concluded.
The commitment to expanding the school feeding program marks a significant step towards educational equity in Limuru, promising a brighter future for its young learners.