The Government wants to boost food production in 26 Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) areas with a view to improving enrollment, retention and performance of learners in schools.
Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mithika Linturi said his Ministry will bring together development partners to provide water and other related infrastructure, through irrigation to improve food production in the areas.
Linturi made the remarks Tuesday, when he met his Education counterpart Ezekiel Machogu at the latter Jogoo House offices.
“Support by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and other development partners would provide irrigation systems and put people into farming and ensure more children get into and remain in schools,” stated Linturi.
Echoing same sentiments, Machogu said the government is feeding some 2.5million learners in ASAL counties as well as informal settlements in urban areas through the Home-Grown Schools Meals Programme (HGSMP).
“The learners are spread in 10 ASAL Counties, 16 semi-arid Counties and informal urban settlements in 10 counties,” he disclosed.
The Education CS, however, said boosting local food production in the targeted regions will greatly improve and sustain enrollment, retention and performance of learners.
Others present during the meeting included Basic Education PS Dr. Belio Kipsang, his University Education and Research as well as Vocational and Technical Training Counterparts Dr. Beatrice Inyangala and Dr. Esther Muhoria respectively.
By Michael Omondi
