Kenya Seeks to Expand School Feeding Programmes with Support from Rockefeller Foundation
Kenya’s current school feeding programmes, supported by the National Government, county governments, and various partners, benefit nearly three million learners.
Kenya is set to expand its school feeding programmes, with a goal of doubling the number of learners benefiting from these initiatives. Photo/William Ruto.
Kenya is set to expand its school feeding programmes, with a goal of doubling the number of learners benefiting from these initiatives.
President William Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing nutrition and education for schoolchildren during a high-profile meeting with Rockefeller Foundation President Rajiv Shah on the sidelines of the African Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kenya’s current school feeding programmes, supported by the National Government, county governments, and various partners, benefit nearly three million learners.
These initiatives have been instrumental in improving health and learning outcomes, increasing school attendance, and strengthening local food systems.
President Ruto emphasized the need to scale up these efforts to ensure more vulnerable children have access to nutritious meals in school.
“Our school feeding programmes have played a crucial role in promoting better health and learning outcomes. They have also significantly contributed to increased school attendance and the growth of local food systems. Our aim is to double the number of learners benefiting from these programmes,” Ruto stated.
During discussions with Rajiv Shah, the two leaders explored potential collaborations between Kenya and the Rockefeller Foundation to expand and enhance school feeding initiatives.
The Foundation, known for its work in public health, food security, and sustainable development, could play a key role in providing financial and technical support to strengthen these programmes.
The Kenyan government has been working towards ensuring that no child goes hungry in school. By scaling up the feeding programmes, the government hopes to address malnutrition, improve cognitive development, and support economic growth by empowering local farmers and food suppliers.
Experts believe that expanding school feeding programmes will have far-reaching benefits beyond education. Providing meals at school has been linked to higher retention rates, better academic performance, and a reduction in child labor, as children are more likely to stay in school rather than seeking alternative means of sustenance.
The Rockefeller Foundation has previously supported various initiatives aimed at addressing food security in Africa. Strengthening its partnership with Kenya could enhance the effectiveness of school feeding programmes and ensure long-term sustainability.
With a renewed commitment from the Kenyan government and potential support from global partners, the future of school feeding programmes in Kenya looks promising.
The expansion of these initiatives will not only benefit millions of children but also contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more educated generation.
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