Siaya County Governor James Orengo during a past interview// Photo Courtesy.
In a notable move to address poverty and improve educational outcomes, the County Government of Siaya has officially launched a Pre-Primary School Feeding Policy aimed at providing nutritious, locally sourced meals to underprivileged pre-primary school children.
Governor James Orengo, while confirming the program, emphasized on the critical role of nutrition in children’s growth, development, and education.
“As the area governor, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child in Siaya County has access to nutritious food, which is essential for their growth, development, and education,” Orengo stated.
This Pre-Primary School Feeding Policy is not just about providing meals; it is about investing in the children’s future and enhancing their overall well-being.
Set to commence in January 2025, the program will benefit 700 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers and support over 50,000 students across the county. Following a successful pilot program implemented in 13 wards, the initiative aims to tackle household poverty while promoting local economic development.
The feeding policy focuses on delivering a diverse and nutritious diet, including enriched porridge to improve students’ health and enhance their engagement, attendance, and completion rates in school.
Furthermore, it aims to create a child-friendly environment, encouraging community involvement and ownership of the feeding program while also generating employment opportunities within the ECDE framework.
In a bid to address temporary hunger among enrolled students, the initiative incorporates measures to ensure that all children receive the necessary support.
“We must raise awareness among students, parents, and educators about the nutritional needs of all children, including those with disabilities,” Orengo added. “Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters learning and helps our youngest learners thrive.”
The strategy is designed not only to improve health and nutrition but also to stabilize school attendance, expand pre-school enrollment, and facilitate smoother transitions into primary education.
To ensure a successful implementation, the Nyalore Administration has established a departmental school feeding program committee, which will be organized into ward and county committees, each overseen by the respective Boards of Management (BOM) of the ECDE centers.
Governor Orengo’s commitment to enhancing awareness about the health and nutritional needs of children marks a key step in supporting the county’s youngest learners and fostering a healthier, more engaged future generation.
The launch of this comprehensive feeding program signifies a proactive approach to addressing both educational and nutritional challenges in Siaya County.
