Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has announced the government’s ambitious plan to expand the School Meals Programme (SMP), aiming to provide nutritious meals to 10 million children nationwide, an increase from the current 2.6 million beneficiaries.
Speaking during the launch of 16 modern NG-CDF-funded classrooms at Mbauro and Mghambonyi comprehensive schools in Wundanyi Constituency, Taita Taveta County, Migos reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind when it comes to accessing nutritious meals at school.
“There are some areas in our republic where school children are not getting that program although they deserve it. Currently the programme covers 2.6 school children. We have a plan to increase program until it reaches 10 million school children,” said Migos.
Looking ahead, Migos noted that the ministry will assess the requirements for including schoolchildren from Taita Taveta in the programme.
“We will sit down and look into what is required to include the schoolchildren from this area in that programme,” he said, emphasizing that the hunger faced by schoolchildren in Taita Taveta County mirrors that experienced by children in other counties.
He pledged to develop plans to increase participation and seek funding to ensure that all deserving schoolchildren can benefit from the programme.
Launched in partnership with the World Food Programme, the SMP addresses malnutrition and aims to enhance attendance and academic performance in pre-primary and primary schools across Kenya.
Wundanyi Member of Parliament Danson Mwashako echoed Migos’ sentiments, urging the government to fully implement the programme in Taita Taveta County.
He highlighted the economic challenges faced by many families in the region, pointing out that a significant number of children attend school on empty stomachs.
“There is a high probability that many pre-primary and primary school pupils in Taita Taveta, especially in Wundanyi, go to school hungry because their parents cannot afford balanced meals every day. This affects their ability to concentrate and perform well in class,” Mwashako said.
The MP called on the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to undertake affirmative action to ensure that children in remote and marginalised areas are prioritised in the programme’s expansion.
“There are funds already allocated for the School Feeding Programme. What we need now, especially in Wundanyi constituency, is for these schoolchildren to be included in the programme so they can receive a meal at school,” Mwashako said.
In addition to advocating for the School Meals Programme, Mwashako highlighted the difficult working conditions faced by teachers in Taita Taveta County.
He urged the government to recognise the county as a hardship area, citing its challenging geographical terrain and economic constraints.
