Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has lauded Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s innovative school feeding program, Dishi Na County, for playing a pivotal role in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity in Kenya. The program, which was launched in August 2023, has significantly impacted the lives of over 310,000 learners in Nairobi, providing them with consistent and affordable meals to support their education and well-being.
Speaking at the 1st Nairobi Health Scientific Conference 2024, Kindiki acknowledged the severe malnutrition challenge facing Kenya, especially among children in informal settlements. He highlighted that poverty, particularly in low-income urban areas, has left many families unable to consistently provide nutritious meals for their children. As a result, many students are forced to attend school hungry, which can lead to low academic performance, absenteeism, and, in some cases, dropping out altogether.
“Malnutrition continues to affect many due to inadequate food and access to healthcare,” Kindiki said. “The Dishi Na County initiative, which feeds children for just five shillings, is a commendable solution to this critical issue.”
The Dishi Na County program, a brainchild of Governor Sakaja’s administration, is designed to ensure that children in Nairobi’s public schools receive nutritious meals. For a mere five shillings, the program guarantees a wholesome meal for children, with a focus on affordability and sustainability. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive solution to the double challenge of food insecurity and malnutrition, which continue to be significant public health concerns in the country.
Kindiki further emphasized the transformative impact of the program, particularly in informal settlements where many children struggle to access basic nutrition. He noted that the feeding program has not only improved the health and academic performance of students but also helped to reduce school absenteeism. “Poverty in informal settlements has left many families unable to provide consistent meals for their children,” he said, adding that the Dishi Na County initiative has been a lifeline for thousands of Nairobi’s most vulnerable learners.
The feeding program started with 10 central kitchens and has since expanded to 17 kitchens, with each kitchen serving a specific sub-county within Nairobi. These kitchens are strategically located to prepare and distribute meals to over 230 public schools in all 17 sub-counties of the city. In just a few months, the program has marked a significant milestone by delivering its 30 millionth meal. The meals, which are nutritionally balanced and cater to the dietary needs of schoolchildren, are delivered daily to students, ensuring that they receive the sustenance they need to succeed academically.
A key feature of the Dishi Na County program is its focus on creating jobs for local residents. Over 5,000 individuals have been employed to work in the kitchens, preparing and transporting the meals to schools. This has not only helped address food insecurity but also contributed to the local economy by providing employment opportunities in the areas where they are needed most.
The program’s impact has been felt deeply in the community, as it helps to ensure that no child has to attend school hungry. Before the introduction of the Dishi Na County initiative, one in four children in Nairobi would attend school without having had a meal. Governor Sakaja’s leadership has ensured that the program continues to expand, with additional kitchens and resources allocated to further improve the initiative’s reach and effectiveness.
By January 2024, the second phase of the program saw the establishment of 10 more kitchens, serving an additional 184,000 children daily from 106 public schools. The expansion of the program underscores its success and the need for further investments in school feeding initiatives to tackle malnutrition and promote better health outcomes for children.
In conclusion, the Dishi Na County program is a testament to the power of innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity in Kenya. Through this initiative, Governor Sakaja has not only provided relief to thousands of families but also paved the way for a brighter future for Nairobi’s schoolchildren. With continued support, the program has the potential to transform the lives of many more children across the country, ensuring they grow up healthy, well-nourished, and ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
