Baghdad:Murang’a The Murang’a County Government is gearing up to initiate a free school feeding programme, set to commence in January 2027, which is anticipated to benefit thousands of learners. This initiative aims to engage local farmers, cooperatives, and food traders to supply fresh produce, ensuring nutritious meals for students.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Irungu Kang’ata stated that the administration is working with food aggregators and agricultural stakeholders to establish dependable supply chains. This collaboration is intended to facilitate the uninterrupted delivery of meals to 418 public primary schools and 147 standalone Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres across the county.
The programme will source fresh produce such as cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, bananas, and mangoes from local farmers, providing them with a reliable market and supporting rural household incomes. Each meal is expected to cost S15, and preparations are underway to ensure suppliers meet the necessary requirements for quantity, quality, timely deliveries, and food safety.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the agricultural value chain by connecting small-scale farmers with institutional markets, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring that public resources circulate within the local economy. Additionally, the programme aims to improve school attendance, enhance classroom concentration, and alleviate the financial burden on parents, while ensuring students have access to nutritious meals.
The County’s Department of Education has completed public participation sessions with parents and stakeholders to ensure the programme meets the needs of learners, especially those who currently miss lunch. Governor Kang’ata noted that a pilot programme has already been conducted in selected schools, with significant parental support for the initiative.
