The Ministry of Education has come out to drum up support for the implementation of school feeding programmes across all schools in the country.
Speaking on Tuesday during the ongoing Children Devolution Conference, State Department of Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang said that the programme is key in ensuring students stay in school.
“Sometimes we don’t appreciate the importance of that meal that’s being given through the school feeding programmes. That single meal is so important that at times it’s the only reason why our children are in school,” Kipsang said.
He further lauded the initiative saying that it’s beneficial as it helps mitigate school dropouts.
“We’re able to make sure we mitigate school dropouts by providing a meal through the school feeding programme,” PS Kipsang said.
The PS who was speaking on behalf of Education CS Ezekiel Machogu during the opening ceremony of the 3-day conference spoke of the nutritional benefits students get from the programme and called on all stakeholders to continue supporting it.
He went on to amplify the government’s commitment to reduce school dropouts by implementing re-entry programmes for expectant students saying that those initiatives are key to reintegrating students back into learning institutions.
The PS further stressed the importance of collaboration and partnerships between the Ministry of Education and county governments.
“We shall continue to work with governors and county governments so that we can improve and develop policies that will assist our children,” he said.
According to a survey conducted in Kwale by Plan International Kenya, communities with school feeding programs noted an increase in learners' enrolment and attendance during hunger periods.
The report released on March 8 further states that most children during hunger periods prefer going to schools where they’ll be given a meal than staying at home.
"Hunger at home has increased school enrolment and attendance, but this is only applicable in communities with school meal programs," the report read.