Natembeya banks on school milk to boost nutrition among ECDE learners

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has relaunched a school milk feeding programme to benefit more than 43,000 ECDE learners.

Sh70 million has been allocated to finance the Ukombozi School Milk initiative and will see learners in Early Childhood Development Education centres receive milk twice a week.

Natembeya unveiled the initiative alongside two other transformative education initiatives. The governor said his administration is committed to improve education standards which he described as the cornerstone for civilisation and development.

“The feeding programme is more than just milk. It’s about nourishment, health and it’s an opportunity for our youngest learners to thrive both academically and physically,” he said.

To ensure success of the programme, the county partnered with New Kenya Cooperative Creameries for a reliable milk supply, with the first consignment already delivered.

Natembeya also announced significant strides in improving school infrastructure, including construction of 122 classrooms, 61 offices and 28 ablution blocks for ECDE learners.

An additional 28 twin classrooms are currently under construction. For vocational training, the county has allocated Sh45 million for tuition, enabling trainees to access Sh13,000 each, up from Sh2,000 in the previous years.

The county has also partnered with a Dutch donor group, Tools to Work, which has supplied tools worth more than Sh10 million to vocational training centers.

“These tools are modern and of high quality. Our students will now be equipped to compete in the dynamic job market,” Natembeya said.

The governor urged parents to consider vocational training as a viable alternative for their children.

He announced a Sh36.2 million bursary disbursement for 7,191 bright but needy students in secondary, university and tertiary institutions.

“I am deeply committed to ensuring every child in this county has a chance to succeed,” Natembeya said.

He said the county plans to establish a county university in partnership with Kibabii University, a move he described as a “milestone for higher education in Trans Nzoia.”

The launch also served as a platform to address broader development initiatives, including poverty reduction, environmental conservation, and support for small-scale farmers.

Through programmes such as Fukuza Njaa and the Nawiri initiative, the governor pledged to uplift livelihoods of thousands of households.

“We’re planting 11 million trees and introducing alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping to conserve Cherangany and Mt Elgon water towers,” he said.

The governor emphasised the link between education, sustainability, and community welfare.

He urged residents to join in plans to enhance conservation of the environment which is also important in ensuring access to clean water and sustainable food production.