Busia: The government has launched a school feeding programme aimed at benefiting secondary day schools in Busia County, with the initiative’s first phase targeting institutions in Busia Sub-county. This programme seeks to reduce absenteeism, improve student retention, and enhance academic performance.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the launch event held at Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School in Busia, the government distributed 520 bags of beans and 600 bags of rice to the schools benefiting from the programme. Principal Secretary for Economic Planning, Bonface Makokha, emphasized that the initiative is designed to prevent students from dropping out due to food scarcity or financial difficulties at home. Makokha stated, “Our goal is to achieve total retention of students in our schools. Many learners are forced to stay at home after being sent away when parents cannot raise money. This programme will ensure consistent attendance and improved performance. We want to have 100 percent attendance in all our schools.”
The initiative primarily targets day secondary schools, which are more prone to absenteeism, as well as selected special primary schools within the county. According to the Principal Secretary, 22 secondary schools in Busia Sub-county have already benefited from the programme, with plans to extend it to other sub-counties. He mentioned, “We are determined to ensure that schools in all sub-counties benefit from this programme. We have also included special schools such as Busidibu, Mundika, Lwanya, and Bugeng’i special schools all from Busia sub-county to promote inclusivity and ensure that no learner is left behind.”
Makokha called for the support of parents, school administrators, and stakeholders, highlighting that education is a shared responsibility. He also announced the establishment of a supplementary education fund by professionals from Busia to support the government’s efforts, starting with Sh1.5 million and aiming to raise Sh20 million.
Busia County Director of Education, Mary Oichoe, noted that the programme would significantly reduce absenteeism and encouraged school principals to keep all students in school throughout the term. “Parents’ contributions are meant to support lunch programmes agreed upon with schools. Now that the government has provided food, there should be no students on the roads this term,” she said. Oichoe also reported a 99 percent transition rate of learners to Grade 10 in the county and efforts to achieve full transition.
Busia Sub-county Deputy County Commissioner, Julias Maiyo, praised local administrators’ efforts in promoting school transition and urged parents to cooperate with authorities. “We are conducting follow-up exercises to ensure we meet the targets set by the government,” he said.
St Paul’s Busende Secondary School Principal, Patrick Barasa, welcomed the programme, stating that the food received would alleviate the burden faced by schools and help maintain student attendance. “We have struggled with food shortages in our schools. With this support, our students will remain in school, and we urge the government to continue assisting schools,” he said.
