The County government of Kilifi has moved to curb the severe effects of drought on school children by distributing a Sh50 million consignment of porridge flour set to benefit 812 public early childhood development education centres (ECDEs) across the County.
The flour, which was received last week by Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, is part of the School Feeding Program launched by Governor Gideon Mung’aro last year and it is expected to last the entire current school term.
During the launch of the distribution exercise, Chibule said that early childhood education is a critical stage of human development and the county has given it special attention to ensure learners are in good condition as the county grapples with the drought calamity.
“We are looking into ways of making this initiative sustainable, especially in the wake of prolonged drought across the county,” she said.
Chibule said within the short period of its implementation, the feeding program has greatly helped in retaining children in school and reduced absenteeism which has improved the academic performance and health of the children.
She added that the county is working to fill the shortage of ECDE teachers across the public primary schools in the county to improve learning.
“We purpose to ensure that our ECDE centres are refurbished and staffed with adequate personnel in our efforts to enhance the delivery of quality childhood education,” she said.
Kilifi County is among the regions hard hit by the effects of drought with school children affected by malnutrition due to lack of food and water.
By Jackson Msanzu
