Relief for learners as gov't rolls out distribution of food rations

The government through the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya has rolled out a school nutrition programme in a bid to boost school enrollments among young learners in West Pokot County.

The 2,251 bags of rice, 979 bags of beans, 245 litres of cooking oil and 98 bales of salt, will be distributed to 58 public primary school centres.

West Pokot County Director of Education Simon Wamae emphasized the significance of the initiative saying it is expected to significantly contribute to improved educational outcomes, increase retention of learners and overall well-being of the children in the county.

According to Mr Wamae, West Pokot County is still grappling with high poverty levels which has forced some parents to withdraw their children from school because they cannot afford three(3) meals in a day.

He said with the arrival of school food consignments, parents have no reason to keep their school going children at home since they can at least have something to eat at school.

“Once they receive lunch, some of the children may go up to the following day without meals. Our schools now have enough food and parents are requested to bring their children back to school,” said Mr Wamae during the flagging off of the food distribution in Kacheliba sub-County.

He noted that provision of food to schools will not only boost student enrollment, but also improve their access to education.

Mr Wamae disclosed that the county has already received a complete food consignment for the school feeding programme in most sub-counties.

“Aproximately 80 percent of the food for learners has been delivered in Pokot South sub-County and we anticipate receiving the full consignment by the end of the week," he said.

He encouraged teachers to ensure the food is properly stored to prevent spoilage and avoid wastage through providing adequate security and cooking the correct proportions.

Mr Wamae reiterated the critical role of proper nutrition in supporting healthy growth, improving cognitive function and boosting attention span and overall academic performance among learners.

"One of the government's priorities is to ensure quality and affordable education for all in the County through the provision of a school feeding programme. However, it is also crucial to create a supportive and conducive learning environment for our learners," said the official.

He warned school heads who will be involved in illegalities such as the selling of food meant for school going children that stern disciplinary action will be taken against them.

"This initiative is not just about addressing hunger, but it is about empowering our students with the energy and focus needed for effective learning," he said.

According to Mr Wamae, there are 676 schools in West Pokot County, all of which are under the school feeding programme.

He directed teachers to ensure that all learners are registered in the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) to fully benefit from the programme.

West Pokot County Director of Children’s Services Philip Wapopa on his part expressed his satisfaction with the government's decision to release food for the school feeding programme in the county.

He emphasized the importance of the programme, especially in ASAL counties like West Pokot, where the community relies heavily on pastoralism.

He said the Department of Children Services has completed assessment of schools affected by long rains and drought in Sigor area, Pokot Central sub-County, and parts of Kipkomo sub-County.

"The assessments revealed that consistent provision of food in schools significantly increased enrollment, attendance, and retention rates in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers managed by the county government,’’ Mr Wapopa disclosed.

He noted that during the assessment of long rain and drought effects, there was a noticeable fluctuation in enrollment and attendance at primary and junior secondary levels due to various factors, including food availability.

‘‘When food ratios decreased, the number of learners attending school also dropped significantly," he noted.