Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced the expansion of the “Dishi Na County” feeding program to include informal schools across the city. This move marks a crucial step in ensuring that all students, regardless of their school type, benefit from the initiative. The announcement was made during the launch of the program’s third phase in Umoja 1, where a new kitchen was inaugurated.
Governor Sakaja’s announcement reflects a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in education. “In these informal schools, we will sit down and see how they can be mapped and included in this feeding program,” Sakaja stated. This expansion is aimed at addressing the needs of students in informal education settings, who previously might have been excluded from such benefits.
The third phase of the “Dishi Na County” program is a notable milestone in its ongoing success. All public schools across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties are now receiving food on time, thanks to the establishment of 17 kitchens countywide. Seven of these kitchens were completed just before the start of the third term, further highlighting the rapid progress of the initiative.
Sakaja reflected on the program’s achievements, expressing pride in its swift development. “This is a dream come true. Some thought it was a joke, but now it’s a reality—every sub-county has a kitchen,” he said. His comments underscore the program’s transformative impact on the education system in Nairobi.
The “Dishi Na County” program was designed to provide affordable meals to students, and its success has been evident. With meals now available for just five shillings, the program has significantly reduced the financial burden on families and ensured that children do not miss school due to a lack of food. Sakaja emphasized, “Children should not miss school because of meals; we are happy that it is now a reality in Nairobi.”
The Deputy Governor, Njoroge, reiterated the county government’s dedication to student welfare. “We are determined to deliver on all our commitments, and this feeding program is a key part of that,” he affirmed. This commitment is evident in the tangible results seen across the city.
The positive feedback from local leaders and community members further illustrates the program’s impact. Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje Muriithi praised the success of the program in his constituency. He noted, “Previously, we relied on kitchens from other constituencies, but now we have our kitchen here.” This local presence of kitchens ensures that more students have consistent access to nutritious meals.
Umoja One Area MCA Mark Ronald Mugambi welcomed the new kitchen in Umoja One, which will serve 2,600 students in the area and beyond. “This project will help our learners focus on their studies by ensuring they have access to meals,” Mugambi said. His comments highlight the program’s role in improving educational outcomes by addressing one of the barriers to learning.
Jane Njoroge Kamari, a headteacher in the area, also expressed gratitude for the program. She observed a significant increase in school attendance since the program’s introduction. “We are thankful that this program is now in our school, and we are confident it will lead to more learners staying in school,” Kamari noted.
Currently, the “Dishi Na County” program is providing meals to over 310,000 students across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties. With the completion of the kitchens, 152 public primary schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers are now equipped to offer meals to students at an affordable rate of five shillings per meal. This initiative not only supports student welfare but also promotes educational equity, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically.
As the program continues to expand, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the educational and social landscape of Nairobi, demonstrating a successful model of how local governments can address critical needs in their communities.
