ECDE School Feeding Program Assessment in North Ugenya Ward

The Siaya County school feeding program targeting Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners is progressing successfully, with over 52,000 young learners receiving fortified porridge daily.

Launched in January 2025, the program aims to enhance the nutrition of young learners. According to Siaya County ECD Coordinator Benter Jacobs, the fourth delivery of fortified flour for porridge targeting ECDE learners has begun in Ugenya.

“In a significant step toward improving child nutrition and early education, the County Government of Siaya has launched a fortified porridge flour distribution program benefiting thousands of ECDE students,” Jacobs said.

She noted that the current consignment is expected to sustain the students for the entire term, providing a reliable food source to improve health outcomes and learning conditions. “We have delivered 25,950 packets of fortified porridge flour, which will sustain the uji program for six weeks,” she added.

Jacobs, who also serves as the focal point for the Nurturing Care and School Feeding Program, led her team in receiving the supplies this morning.

More than 52,000 ECDE learners are benefiting from the program, with Gem Sub-County serving 8,806 pupils, Ugenya and Ugunja together serving 11,345 pupils, Usonga serving 12,986 pupils, Bondo serving 9,117 pupils, and Rarieda serving 8,480 pupils.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the health and academic performance of young learners by ensuring they receive a balanced, nutritious diet.

“The administration of Governor James Orengo has prioritized distributing fortified porridge flour to all ECDE centers in Siaya to ensure school-going children receive nutritious meals,” Jacobs stated.

She highlighted key benefits of the fortified porridge program, including improved student retention, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced overall well-being. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, the program is expected to support cognitive development, boost immunity, and improve concentration, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes.

Studies show that well-nourished children perform better academically, making this intervention a strategic investment in the county’s future.

The County Government of Siaya is committed to monitoring and evaluating the initiative to ensure its long-term effectiveness in improving children’s health and education.

The Ugenya community, led by Senior Ukwala Chief Michael Osodo, praised the program spearheaded by the Nyalore administration, noting it has relieved parents of significant burdens.

Sega Primary School Head Teacher Omengo Martin expressed gratitude for the program, citing its positive impact on student attendance and concentration. “We’ve seen improved enrollment and attendance because learners are assured of a meal at school. It also helps them focus better in class,” he said.

“The initiative has boosted enrollment. Previously, we had 70 pupils, but now we have 129—a 59 percent increase,” Omengo added. He noted that hunger often impairs learners’ concentration, with some skipping school due to a lack of food. “This program has sustained them and significantly improved their academic performance.”

Governor Orengo’s administration, through the Department of Education and Vocational Training, remains committed to transforming the ECDE sector by improving infrastructure and employing teachers.
ECDE teachers, including Rose Atieno Otieno (Ralak ECD), Petronila Agola Ochieng (Sega ECD), and Penina Awinja, appreciated the program and appealed to the Nyalore administration for capitation funds to support cooks and funfair activities.

“We are grateful to the Nyalore administration for employing us on permanent and pensionable terms. We now appeal to the Department of Education to equip ECDE centers with chairs, play equipment, and other learning materials,” they said.

Nyambiro ECDE teacher Carolyne Sadia urged the Nyalore administration to prioritize constructing ECDE classrooms at Nyambiro. “We have 83 learners at Nyambiro School, but we lack classrooms,” she said.