The County Government of Busia has launched Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) school feeding programme to improve nutrition among children and increase enrolment as well as retention of learners in schools.
Speaking during the official launch of the programme at Busia Polytechnic Grounds on Thursday, Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma said that the county government has set aside Sh30 million for the programme within this financial year.
“We have brought partners like farmers, development partners, our County Assembly, parents, and education stakeholders to ensure that the programme becomes sustainable,” he said.
Otuoma noted that poor nutrition is one of the main causes of the challenges in the area, adding that the county has a problem of stunted child growth of almost 15%, according to the UNICEF report.
He at the same time urged parents not to forget their responsibilities at home, explaining that it might undermine the gains of the programme.
“As we speak now, we are a food-deficient county, and yet we have been endowed with good soil, brains, and professionals,” he said, adding that Busia should not be classified among counties in arid areas.
The governor further stated that there was a need for the county leadership to open up linkages with farmers so that they can form a proper supply chain.
At the same time, Otuoma stated that Community Health Promoters will be mandated to collect data on nutritional status in various Wards so that it can assist in supporting the development of interventions.
“Food and nutrition are basic human requirements, and as a county, we must go an extra mile to ensure that our farmers are supported to produce food,” he said, adding that the country is spending more than Sh500 billion to import food.
Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga said that the initiative will address the holistic development of young learners.
Chaunga stated that the National Government Administration was committed to collaborating with local stakeholders to identify and enrol eligible children over the age of four in ECDE programmes.
The county has 50,000 ECDE learners spread across 460 public learning centres across the region.
The forum saw 900 pieces of furniture distributed to 10 ECDE centres, and 90 secondary school learners benefit from the County Scholarship Bursary.
