Why institutionalisation of school feeding is a public imperative

Students from Lake View Primary school in Kihoto, Naivasha receive free meal on Feb 17, 2025 under a programme supported by Veg-Pro farm targeting students from informal settlement around the lakeside town. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

As Kenya continues its journey toward universal education and sustainable development, one truth remains clear: a simple plate of food can mean the difference between a child thriving in the classroom or dropping out altogether. This plate is also more than just a meal - it has the power to transform not just the life of that child but also whole communities and local economies. Today, the African Union celebrates the African Day of School Feeding, a very important day for us.

In the Tetu Constituency within Nyeri County, hundreds of children face adverse levels of poverty. Hunger undoubtedly persists. This is the case despite the county's reputation as a national hub of agricultural activities and food security. Now, if children in Nyeri face hunger as a daily reality, what about more food-insecure parts of our country?