A delegation from Siaya County's Department of Education, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Social Services, led by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Dr. Edgar Otumba and Chief Officer for Education and Training Mr. Richard Ogeda, conducted a three-day benchmarking visit to Murang’a County. The purpose of the visit was to study Murang’a County's innovative school feeding program as Siaya County prepares to launch its own initiative aimed at enhancing student nutrition, improving retention rates, and promoting equity among learners.
Murang’a County, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Food 4 Education, has pioneered a school feeding program that provides nutritious lunches to primary school students. The program, which initially targets 55 schools with existing infrastructure for porridge preparation, operates on a cost-sharing model where parents contribute Ksh. 20 per meal. The initiative has been lauded for addressing food insecurity, enhancing student well-being, and improving academic outcomes.
Building on these insights, the County Government of Siaya plans to roll out a similar initiative that will focus on Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners across the county. Scheduled for an official launch by Governor James Orengo on 27th January 2025, the ECDE School Feeding Program aims to benefit over 45,000 learners in more than 700 public ECDE centers. The program underscores the Nyalore Government's commitment to fulfilling its nine-point agenda, prioritizing education and student welfare.
The primary objectives of the program include improving student health and nutrition, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and reducing the need for long-distance travel in search of food. Enhanced nutrition is expected to positively impact school attendance, engagement, and academic performance, addressing disparities caused by economic challenges and food insecurity.
Through the provision of a diverse and nutritious diet, including enriched porridge, Siaya County seeks to raise awareness among students, parents, and educators about the critical importance of health and nutrition in child development. The benchmarking visit to Murang’a reflects Siaya County’s proactive approach to adopting best practices, ensuring dietary diversity, and implementing food safety protocols. By leveraging these strategies, Siaya aims to create a sustainable and impactful school feeding program tailored to the county's unique needs.