Over 9,000 national examination candidates from all Rabai Constituency primary schools will benefit from the free food program sponsored by the local Member of Parliament Kenga Mupe to enable students avoid distractions during their exams.
More than 230 sacks of rice and beans worth Sh 970 000 has already been distributed in various schools as more aid is expected to be given to the candidates to help them to perform better in their exams.
Speaking during the launch of the food distribution at Lugwe Primary School, Mr. Mupe explained that he came up with the initiative due to the difficult economic situation parents are facing which has left many students struggling with hunger while in school.
“We have given food to all the candidates who are going to take the exam, those in grade 6 and class 8 candidates doing KCPE. Those of grade 6 are more than 4,780 candidates and those in class 8 are also more than 4,800 candidates”, he said.
“I know that parents have had challenges, the economy has not been good, and the students come from humble families. As a Member of Parliament here, I ensure that every candidate will be fed during the three days of the examinations. The aim is to make sure the candidates sit the exams while comfortable so that they can produce good results,” he added.
The MP revealed that the education standards in Rabai have gone down but added he is trying to make every effort including giving food to candidates to assist them in having an easy time studying to pass exams.
Mr. Mupe asked his fellow parliamentarians to devise ways to help students taking the exams in their constituencies get food during the exams.
Chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) in Rabai Patrick Mwamba applauded the move. He asked leaders to pay attention to the school feeding program to cushion thousands of pupils from hunger.
By Jackson Msanzu
