The County Government of Siaya (CGS) has launched a comprehensive Pre-Primary School Feeding Program aimed at providing adequate, locally sourced food to underprivileged pre-primary school children across the county.
The program was officially launched by Governor James Orengo at Siala Kaduol ECDE Centre in South Gem Ward. It seeks to offer a diverse and nutritious diet, including fortified porridge and rice, to more than 52,000 learners in 689 public Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers. This initiative aims to enhance students' health, increase their engagement, attendance, and school completion rates. Additionally, the program will promote child-friendliness, encourage community involvement and ownership, and create employment opportunities within the ECDE framework. Measures will also be included to support children facing temporary hunger.
To ensure an efficient and effective rollout of this program, the Nyalore Administration has established ward and county school feeding program committees. Respective Boards of Management (BOM) will manage each center.
The program is supported by KMET and Smart Start Siaya Nyathi en Mwandu, under the patronage of First Lady Mrs. Betty Murungi Orengo. It will promote nurturing care for early childhood, providing a strong foundation for effective growth. Mrs. Orengo pledged that Smart Start Siaya will collaborate with the CGS and other stakeholders to ensure the fulfillment of educational projects outlined in the Nyalore Manifesto.
To guarantee the sustainability of the program, partnerships have been established with the National Government and key stakeholders such as The Rockefeller Foundation, UNICEF, and Food for Education, which has committed to building an additional 30 kitchens per ward.
Mr. Alex Odunga, Secretary for the County Budget Economic Forum (CBEF), hailed the rapid results initiatives achieved by the Governor, who chairs CBEF, promised that all ECDEs in Siaya will be fully maintained to ensure a 100% absorption rate of pupils. Supplies for the schools will be sourced locally to ensure steady provision.
In addition to employing over 600 ECDE teachers on a permanent and pensionable basis, Governor Orengo committed to hiring all ECDE teachers permanently and advised them to join unions like the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) to advocate for their labor rights.
Governor Orengo also launched the fully established Siala Kaduol ECDE block. The facility can accommodate 97 pupils and features three fully furnished classrooms for playgroup, PP1, and PP2, a staff room, toilets, and a modern kitchen complete with a store and water tank. The building includes walking ramps for physically impaired pupils and those requiring assistance.
The Governor was accompanied by the County Secretary Mr. Joseph Ogutu, and several County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) including Dr. Edgar Otumba (Education, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Social Services), Mr. Agunda Ochanda (Governance, Administration, and ICT), Prof. Hon. Jacqueline Oduol (Water, Irrigation, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources), Mr. Maurice MC’Orege (Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development), Mr. Sylvester K’Okoth (Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock & Blue Economy), and Dr. Martin K’Onyango (Health and Sanitation). Also present were Chief Officer for Education and Training Mr. Richard Ogeda, directors including Public Communications Mr. Chrispine Omondi, and Gem Sub-County Administrator Mr. Willis Oketch, among other county officials.