The government has launched a school nutrition programme to boost student enrolment in West Pokot county.
The exercise, implemented through Kenya's National Council for Nomadic Education, will distribute 9,79 bags of beans, 245 litres of cooking oil, and 98 bales of salt to 58 primary schools.
West Pokot county director of education Simon Wamae praised the initiative, saying it will improve educational outcomes, increase retention of learners, and improve the overall well-being of the children.
Wamae said West Pokot still grapples with high poverty levels, forcing some parents to withdraw their children from school because they cannot afford three meals a day.
“Once we give them lunch, some children may not have meals until the next day. Our schools now possess sufficient food, and we ask parents to bring their children back to school,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the initiative will boost student enrolment and improve access to education, adding that the county has already received a complete food consignment.
“Approximately 80 per cent of the consignment was delivered in Pokot South subcounty, and we anticipate receiving the remainder by the end of the week,” he said.
Wamae encouraged teachers to store the food properly and use it wisely, adding that proper nutrition supports healthy growth, improves cognitive function, and boosts attention span and overall academic performance.
"One of the government's priorities is to ensure quality and affordable education for all in the county through the provision of a school feeding programme. However, it is also crucial to create a supportive and conducive learning environment for our learners," he said.
He threatened to take stern action against school heads caught selling any ration meant for schoolchildren.
"This initiative is not just about addressing hunger. It's about empowering our students with the energy and focus needed for effective learning," Wamae said
According to Wamae, there are 676 schools in West Pokot county, all of which are under the school feeding program.
He directed teachers to register all learners in the National Education Management Information System to fully benefit from the programme.
West Pokot county director of children’s services Philip Wapopa praised the government for the nationwide initiative.
Wapopa emphasized the importance of the program, especially in Arid and Semi-Arid Land counties like West Pokot, where communities rely heavily on pastoralism.
He said the department of children services has completed an assessment of schools affected by long rains and drought in Sigor, Pokot central subcounty, and parts of Kipkomo subcounty.
"The assessments revealed that consistent provision of food in schools significantly increased enrolment, attendance, and retention rates in Early Childhood Development Education centres managed by the county government,’’ Wapopa said.
Wapopa said there was a noticeable fluctuation in enrollment and attendance at the primary and junior secondary levels because of various factors, including food availability.
‘‘When food rations decreased, the number of learners attending school also dropped significantly," he said.