Stakeholders want probe on food programme

By Ali Abdi

Stakeholders want the School Feeding Programme (SFP) for primary schools in arid and semi arid lands (Asal) probed.

Leaders, teachers and parents allege part of the consignment under SFP, a joint project between the Government and the World Food Programme, is diverted for sale by education officials and head teachers.

Pupils receiving food in school. [PHOTO: file /STANDARD]

Head teachers and parents who spoke to The Standard said one way of stealing the ration was a "deliberate delay" in releasing of food to schools every term from local depots of the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB).

By yesterday, no school in Isiolo, Samburu, Marsabit and Moyale had received the food rations for this term despite the consignment reaching the districts’ depots. Cooking did not take place in most schools either.

"I receive food for my school late every term. It takes about three to four weeks for the consignment to arrive though it is located within Isiolo town," said a head teacher who requested not to be identified for fear he will be victimised.

When food reaches schools finally, head teachers claimed they are compelled to sign for the whole term. They claimed those who do not sign are intimidated, harassed and finally demoted.

Education officials

Laisamis Ward Councillor Mohamud Kochale said the delay was a loophole for stealing by officers in charge of the programme.

Ironically, the delays occur despite majority of transporters tendered to supply food to schools in Asal being either head teachers or education officials like in the case of Isiolo where five of eight transporters are school heads and ministry officials.