Sakaja, Machogu sign Sh1.7bn school feeding programme

Nairobi county government has signed an Sh1.7 billion Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement on the Implementation of the school meals program with the National government.

The Sh1.7 billion agreement sets forth the terms of understanding between the Parties in the implementation of the school meals program in public primary schools in Nairobi.

As per the IPA, funds for the program shall be drawn from both the Consolidated Fund and the County Revenue Fund. 

Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u who witnessed the signing on Monday said the feeding program will have a ripple effect on the economy, increase education attainment for improved human capital and improve smart agriculture in the supply chain.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu said that his ministry will expand the programme to other counties.

“The program will go a long way in attracting and retaining learners in school and improving the learning outcomes,” he said.

Governor Sakaja said the program had already led to the improved enrolment of children in schools in Nairobi by 15 per cent, saying it's a program aimed at transforming education.

Under the agreement, the Sakaja-led administration will be responsible for ensuring monies earmarked for the program are ring-fenced and timely payments to suppliers and service providers made to ensure the sustainability of the program.

“The Nairobi county government will also develop the requisite infrastructure for the preparation, transportation, distribution and serving of hot meals to the learners in a timely manner that does not hinder other school programs,” reads the agreement.

The national government will provide a budget for the implementation of the program as per the financing framework, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of this agreement.

“It will also issue ministerial directives and guidelines to school heads, managers and other administrators requiring them to cooperate and coordinate with the staff of the Nairobi City County Government and those of other programme implementing partners and agencies,” reads the agreement. 

This agreement sets forth the terms of understanding between the Parties in the implementation of the school meals program in public primary schools in Nairobi City County.

The parties shall make every reasonable effort to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this Agreement through recognition of their respective constitutional and statutory roles, collaboration and mutual respect.

Sakaja launched the school feeding programme dubbed called Dishi Na County last month.

Already, construction of mega kitchens in 10 sub-counties - Dagoretti North, Embakasi Central, Embakasi South, Kasarani, Kibra, Makadara, Starehe, Roysamu, Ruaraka and Westlands - where food will be prepared and the children served is ongoing.

Parents/ guardians will be required to pay  Sh5 per plate of food while the county government will foot the rest of the cost, of Sh25, per child, per day.

The programme targets to feed about 250,000 children in Nairobi enrolled in public primary schools and public Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres.