Limuru Constituency’s ‘Tap to Eat’ school feeding program, where meals are cooked in one mega kitchen and distributed to schools, has been ranked the best in Kenya.
Situated in Kamandura Comprehensive School, the Mega Kitchen serves over 15,000 pupils at an affordable daily cost of Sh15 and Sh2,700 per term while ensuring that a certain percentage of pupils in each school receive meals for free.
Launched in March 2024, the programme has transformed the way children in Limuru access their daily meals by enabling students to purchase meals using a simple tap on their smartphones.
Having been marked as the best in the country, members of Parliament from other constituencies have been visiting the facility to learn about the logistics of the program in order to implement the same in their own constituencies.
Hosted by Limuru MP John Kiragu, Nandi Hills Benard Kitur acknowledged the programme’s positive impact and its feasibility while promising to implement the same in his constituency.
“We had heard of the success of the Limuru feeding program and I am here to learn about the logistics of the program, including how meals are prepared and distributed to various schools before lunchtime. I, too, can go home and ensure that no child in Nandi Hills learns on an empty stomach,” said Kitur.
“We are open to sharing our success with other constituencies to help even more children across the country,” Kiragu said.
The initiative allows parents to top up their children’s meal accounts and enables students to access food at school without the hassle of carrying cash or dealing with long queues at school canteens.
“Before ‘Tap to Eat,’ I had to give my child money every morning for lunch, but sometimes it was difficult to make sure the money was enough, and they would often lose it,” said Mary Wanjiru, a mother of two school-going children in Limuru.
“Now, I can easily top up the account from my phone, and my children can just tap and get their meals. It’s safe and convenient.”
The program has also made it possible for schools to offer nutritious meals at a fraction of the cost.
Meal prices, which were once a financial burden for many families, have been subsidised through partnerships with local food vendors and sponsors. The mobile-based payment system also tracks daily meal consumption, ensuring that children receive balanced and adequate nutrition.
“We’re focused on ensuring that no child goes hungry while at school. With ‘Tap to Eat,’ children can make smarter food choices, and parents can rest easy knowing that their kids are getting proper meals that are both healthy and affordable,” Manager of Tap to Eat program Robert Kihara said.
The ease of access to meals, combined with the growing use of mobile money in Kenya, has made Tap to Eat a game-changer in addressing food insecurity and improving school attendance.
Teachers interviewed have also noted improvements in student academic performance, with well-nourished children showing increased focus and engagement during lessons.
The initiative comes at a time when many households in Kenya faced financial challenges due to the unaffordable cost of living.
With its growing success in Limuru, Tap to Eat has expanded with other neighbouring sub-counties, including Githunguri, Kikuyu and Kiambaa sub-counties, while contributing to the fight against hunger and malnutrition in schools across Kenya.
By Grace Naishoo
