Busia: As a measure to mitigate the rising concern of stunted growth resulting from malnutrition, which has been the main contributor to 38% absenteeism among learners under 5 years in Busia, the County Government of Busia has affirmed its commitment to support the ongoing school feeding program. This program, which was rolled out last year, aims to provide a hot nutritious meal at school for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme was launched following a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) statistical report that revealed 15 percent of children under 5 years in Busia County face the challenge of stunted growth due to malnutrition and food insecurity. The school feeding programme, dubbed OTUOMA NUTRI-CARE, aims to provide one healthy meal a day to meet the daily nutritional requirements of children, thereby reducing acute forms of malnutrition.
Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma stated that the provision of meals to over 50,000 ECDE learners in more than 460 public education centers will increase school enrollment and retention. Dr. Otuoma highlighted the disadvantage faced by children due to inadequate food and emphasized the importance of the school feeding programme.
He further added that through the Ward-Based Economic Revitalization Programme, the county plans to create linkages with rice farmers in Budalangi to support them in producing enough foodstuff for consumption and income generation. Governor Otuoma mentioned the engagement with Magombe Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society and Bumamu Rice Farmers in Budalang’i constituency to support rice production for the ECDE school feeding programme at fair prices.
Magombe Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Official Berry Susan praised the partnership with the County Government to supply rice to schools, noting that rice farmers are now reaping the benefits of their hard work. Last year, they supplied 72 tonnes of rice, and this year they have distributed 61 tonnes at a good price, compared to lower prices offered by brokers.
Head teachers of primary schools hosting the ECDE learners have praised the school feeding programme for improving enrollment and attendance. Rev. Peter Iganga, Head teacher at Mujuru Primary in Matayos constituency, and John Nyongesa, chairman of the Board of Management at Igero Primary School, acknowledged the program’s positive impact on reducing absenteeism and attracting more learners to school.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has selected Busia alongside Makueni as pioneer counties for rolling out model institutions of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) school feeding programmes. UNICEF aims to bring together all ECDE stakeholders to address challenges like nutrition, enrollment, absenteeism, and retention among learners.