Kieni Member of Parliament Njoroge Wainaina is calling on the government to implement a nationwide school feeding program to boost student retention in education institutions.
Speaking during the launch of the Kieni Affordable Education Program at Narumoro Grounds, Nyeri County, Wainaina emphasized the urgency for such a program, particularly for students from underprivileged families who are at risk of dropping out due to economic hardships.
He said the program will alleviate some of the financial burdens families face while enhancing the overall educational experience for students in the Kieni area.
Wainaina said the initiative would make education more accessible for students in Day Secondary Schools throughout Kieni Constituency.
“To enhance our education system, it is essential for the government, through the Ministry of Education, to allocate funds for free meals in schools,” said Wainaina, noting that this will help ensure that more students remain in school.
He revealed that under Wainaina’s initiative, funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), all day schools will provide meals, requiring parents to contribute only Sh1,500 per term.
The meal plan includes Githeri served three days a week, Rice three days a week, and Uji every day at 10 am.
The MP announced that food supplies for all participating schools were delivered today, covering a total of 13 weeks for the first term.
“This program guarantees that over 4,000 students and pupils who previously dropped out due to financial constraints for inability to pay lunch fee will return to school. This underscores the need for government intervention,” added Wainaina.
Parents present during the occasion expressed their satisfaction with the program, noting that it has significantly reduced their levies from Sh7,500 to Sh1,500 per term.
By Beth Ndirangu
