County rolls out ECDE comprehensive feeding program

Kiambu County government has established a comprehensive feeding program designed to improve nutrition among the pupils in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Centers.

The innovative feeding program dubbed ‘Maziwa Freshi na Wamatangi’ will be available in all 524 public ECDE centers and under the program every child will receive a nutritious bowl of fortified porridge every morning, eggs twice a week and a packet of milk every Thursday.”

“The meal plan has been meticulously crafted to address the nutritional needs of young learners, reinforcing the importance of balanced diets for growth and cognitive development,” Wamatangi said. “The figures have demonstrated an impressive leap, with the number of learners rising from 32,000 to 39,000 in just one year. This flow is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in attracting children to school and encouraging families to prioritize education,” Wamatangi added.

He explained that over the past one year, his government has successfully completed and equipped 109 modern ECDE centers while initiating the construction of additional 130 facilities.

“These developments aim to provide a robust educational foundation for children in the county, ensuring accessibility and quality in early childhood education,” Wamatangi noted.

Simon Ng’ang’a, a young parent in Kiambu town said that the feeding initiative has relieved some of the burdens faced by families struggling to provide balanced meals.

“Parents have noticed substantial improvements in their children’s energy levels and overall well-being, further reinforcing their commitment to education,” Ng’ang’a said.

Kiambu County Government through sustained investments and community involvement aims to foster an environment where children can thrive and achieve their potentials to the fullest.

Nationally, the government has in place The National School Meals and Nutrition Strategy that was developed to guide the implementation of Kenya’s school meals initiatives at pre-primary and primary schools in adherence to the broad national goals stipulated in the country’s Vision 2030 and in line with the Kenyan Constitution.