Governor George Natembeya has announced the revival of his Ukombozi School milk feeding Programme.
The programme had been terminated but will resume in January when schools reopen for first term in 2025.
Natembeya said the milk feeding programme which is aimed at improving nutrition for young learners in ECDE units has now undergone significant changes following the termination of the initial supplier's contract.
The programme, which was allocated a budget of Sh70 million for the 2023/24 Financial Year, was halted earlier this year due to challenges in implementation.
The original supplier, contracted to deliver milk to the ECDE centers, managed to supply milk worth Sh8.1 million before the contract was terminated due to lack of capacity to meet the demand across the county.
The supplier was paid Sh6.7 million and is awaiting a balance of Sh1.4 million.
Governor Natembeya explained that the supplier lacked the capacity to meet the programme's demand, leading the county government to retender the contract to the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC), which is better equipped to handle the distribution.
Natembeya said the programme faced additional challenges due to funding shortfalls.
Of the Sh70 million budgeted, only Sh8.1 million was utilised, as the exchequer failed to remit all county funds by the end of the financial year.
"Coupled with a deficit of over Sh200 million in local revenue collection, the county was forced to rebudget for the programme in the current financial year," Natembeya said.
The county government has now partnered with New KCC to ensure reliable and efficient milk distribution starting the first term of the 2025 academic year.
"We have confidence in New KCC’s capacity to meet the demand and deliver quality milk to our ECDE centers," Natembeya said.
The revamped programme will resume as part of the county’s broader efforts to support early childhood education and nutrition for young learners.
Natembeya who met with the Senate Committee on Education emphasised the county’s dedication to improving education infrastructure and services.
The committee is chaired by Muranga Senator Joe Nyutu.
The committee commended his administration for its progressive policies, including the absorption of all ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
"We endeavor to ensure that the Department of Education is adequately funded to provide our children with the best education in our ECDE centers and vocational training institutes," Natembeya said.
He also highlighted plans to address the teacher-to-pupil ratio and provide adequate learning materials for ECDE centers.
Trans Nzoia County residents are optimistic about the programme's relaunch, with many seeing it as a vital step toward improving access to quality education and nutrition for young learners.
"We are looking forward to the reintroduction of the milk programme since it was instrumental in keeping learners healthy and promoted school retention," Hellen Nyaboke, a parent at Chetoto Primary School said.
