Eat healthy to avoid diseases, pupils advise Kenyans

Bishop Njuguna Primary school present a verse

KAKAMEGA: Eating healthy is critical for prevention of lifestyle diseases that potentially can be prevented by changes in diet.

 

This was the message at the ongoing Kenya Music Festival, being held at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega, when pupils took to stage to perform verses in the Narisha category yesterday.

Leading the pack was Bishop Njuguna Primary School from Central region with a captivating piece on why it is important for young people to avoid junk foods such as pizza, chips and sausages.

“These types of food are hard to digest and they bring with them too much fat with serious consequences,” they said.

Organic foods

The pupils, in unison, warned that this is a recipe for such diseases as diabetes, cancer and heart-related complications.

“Uji ni tamu sana na sana asana na... (porridge is so sweet),” they said, adding it is easy to prepare and provide the necessary calories to power learning especially in the morning and in the evening.

Springboard Academy from Busia also hailed organic foods, stressing that they are easily available and locally-produced and most importantly, pocket-friendly.

Produced by Benson Abwao, the production on ‘Narisha uji’ reminded us that many children need a healthy dier to help them learn effectively.

In recent times, research findings from education institutions have reported a correlation between malnutrition and poor class performance, according to the verse presented by Sirio School from the Coast region.

According to the Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre (DMI), it is estimated that the prevalence of diabetes in Kenya is about 3.3 per cent and this figure is likely to rise to 4.5 per cent by 2025 if the trend is not checked with 25,000 of them being children.

“We are here to offer practical and sustainable solutions to the perennial problem of malnutrition especially among primary school and secondary school children,” said Anne Ngugi from Equatorial Nut Processors, which has been providing free porridge to participants at the festival.

The company has sponsored the festival to a tune of Sh1.2 million with the objective of discouraging children from craving for fast foods and turning to healthy organic foods that are more affordable and easy to prepare.

Christine Ngugi from Mitini School Prudence, Jerotich from Mbu School in Baringo, Leny Muchiri of Muthanguata School and Sandra Oli from Our Lady Lourdes presented a set poem on the dangers of Malaria and the need to use nets and keep the environment clean to control mosquitoes.

KBA Primary School exalted the role of the teacher in the poem Kiwaka by George Mulama rendered in a powerful vocal variation that wowed the audience.

Saints Education Centre presented a poem on road safety decrying the huge number of Kenyans losing their lives on our roads every year.

So were pupils from Hill School Eldoret with The Biting Monster by Everlyne Ronoh.

Good manners

Nyagokini Primary School from Nyamira thrilled with their Maasai folk song, Simporerai, in praise of a beautiful girl for her hard work and good manners.

And it was such a refreshing experience in Hall 8 when the audience was treated to serenading melodies from African traditional music instruments including the Nyatiti, Litungu and Obokhano.

Nyamira Primary School, Ulawe Apate Primary from Siaya, Lukuna Primary from Western and Naivasha Primary School were on top of their game with their respective displays.

Pascal Odhiambo of Ulawe Apate School impressed with his song Jajuok.

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