Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has taken strides to scale the city’s school feeding program, ‘Dishi na County,’ a revolutionary initiative aimed at providing affordable meals to schoolchildren. Since its inception 14 months ago, the program has transformed the lives of thousands of students and sparked a broader dialogue on sustainable ways to tackle hunger and support education. During the Global School Meals Coalition ministerial meeting held in Nairobi, Sakaja announced several promising updates on the program’s structure, funding avenues, and impact.
Governance for Sustainability
To manage ‘Dishi na County’ effectively, Sakaja emphasized the county’s focus on establishing robust governance frameworks. “Nairobians are now asking how they can pay by M-Pesa to support one child or five children,” he said, highlighting the enthusiasm and goodwill Nairobi residents have shown. Sakaja’s administration aims to create an accessible and transparent donation system, enabling well-wishers to make direct contributions.
The county government is taking concrete steps to make this possible, with plans to establish a dedicated board and a secretariat for ‘Dishi na County.’ These structures will be responsible for streamlining operations, mobilizing resources, and ensuring proper accountability for contributions made by private citizens and partners. Establishing these governance structures will not only enhance transparency but also help the program reach even more schools and communities in need.
Making a Tangible Impact: Enrollment and Nutrition
The ‘Dishi na County’ program is designed not just as a hunger alleviation initiative but also as a means to increase school enrollment rates. The program has achieved significant milestones, including serving over 30 million meals across 230 public schools in Nairobi, impacting 310,000 students. According to Sakaja, since the launch of the program, school enrollment has grown by an impressive 34%, particularly in informal settlements where access to regular meals is a challenge. The impact of the program is under study by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who are conducting a three-year evaluation to measure the full spectrum of its outcomes.
Affordable and Inclusive: A Program for All
One of the standout features of ‘Dishi na County’ is its affordability; each meal costs a mere five shillings. This low-cost model ensures that more families can afford to feed their children without financial strain. Sakaja emphasized that no child is denied a meal due to an inability to pay. This inclusivity is possible due to partnerships with the national government, NGOs, and private entities who contribute resources to keep the program running.
Beyond mere nutrition, the program offers students a sense of belonging and well-being, enabling them to focus better on their studies without the distraction of hunger. This holistic approach highlights the role of school feeding programs in not only feeding students but also creating a conducive learning environment that fosters academic and social growth.
Economic Uplift for Local Farmers and Vendors
‘Dishi na County’ is more than just a feeding program; it’s a crucial economic lifeline for thousands of farmers and vendors across Kenya. The program sources much of its food from local farmers, creating a steady demand for produce and fostering a sustainable agricultural market. This alignment with local suppliers is particularly impactful as it promotes economic empowerment and reduces the logistical costs associated with sourcing food from outside the city.
According to Sakaja, the program has also created jobs, employing thousands of Kenyans who work directly or indirectly to support the initiative. This encompasses roles in logistics, food preparation, distribution, and monitoring. Thus, while students benefit from nutritious meals, farmers and local vendors find reliable markets for their produce, fostering a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
Enhancing the Education Strategy with Support from the National Government
President William Ruto, who attended the ministerial meeting, praised Nairobi County’s efforts and underlined the importance of school feeding initiatives as part of Kenya’s broader education strategy. School feeding programs like ‘Dishi na County’ have the potential to transform Kenya’s education system by addressing barriers to learning, such as food insecurity and malnutrition.
“Food for Education has done a remarkable job to provide for them,” Ruto commented, acknowledging the contributions of both the Nairobi County and private partners in building this impactful initiative. This alignment between local governance and the national education strategy marks a shift towards a more integrated approach to child welfare, where education, nutrition, and socio-economic development are interconnected pillars.
The Future of ‘Dishi na County’: Expanding Reach and Enhancing Sustainability
The success of ‘Dishi na County’ has ignited conversations on how similar programs could be replicated across Kenya. To keep up with the program’s rapid growth and reach even more children, Sakaja’s administration is seeking innovative funding solutions and exploring public-private partnerships. Contributions from the public through M-Pesa and other channels will soon become a reality, enabling Nairobi residents to contribute directly to the welfare of the city’s children. This option allows citizens to fund specific numbers of meals, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility in addressing food insecurity.
The county government’s upcoming board and secretariat are also exploring ways to implement data-driven planning to optimize resources and ensure that no child goes hungry. Through KEMRI and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’s ongoing study, insights from data will help guide future decisions, ensuring that the program remains efficient and impactful.
Bridging the Gap in Informal Settlements
The transformative impact of ‘Dishi na County’ is particularly evident in Nairobi’s informal settlements, where many families struggle to provide even basic necessities. The availability of nutritious meals at school has alleviated some of this burden, leading to increased enrollment and better educational outcomes in these communities. This program serves as a lifeline, allowing students from disadvantaged backgrounds to enjoy the same nutrition and learning opportunities as their peers in more affluent areas.
Moreover, by ensuring food security within schools, the initiative indirectly contributes to better health outcomes. With meals guaranteed at school, students are less likely to suffer from ailments associated with malnutrition, which can have lasting effects on both physical and cognitive development. In this way, ‘Dishi na County’ provides a vital bridge between the social and economic divides that exist within Nairobi.
A Model for National Scale-up?
The milestones achieved by ‘Dishi na County’ make it a model worth emulating in other parts of Kenya. The initiative underscores the potential of well-coordinated school feeding programs to drive positive outcomes in education, public health, and economic empowerment. Governor Sakaja’s efforts to create a streamlined governance structure could make it easier for other counties to adopt similar programs. The Nairobi experience offers lessons in collaboration, resource mobilization, and community involvement that can inform future policies at the national level.
Conclusion: A Path Forward for Kenya’s Youth
‘Dishi na County’ is more than just a school feeding initiative; it’s a comprehensive program that addresses some of Nairobi’s most pressing social challenges. By providing affordable meals, it tackles hunger and food insecurity. By involving local farmers and vendors, it boosts economic activity. And by enhancing school enrollment and academic performance, it strengthens Nairobi’s education system.
Governor Sakaja’s commitment to expanding and improving ‘Dishi na County’ signals a dedication to sustainable development. With the support of Nairobi residents, government partners, and private entities, ‘Dishi na County’ promises to have a lasting impact on the city’s youth, setting a powerful example for other counties across Kenya.
