Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced a significant expansion of the “Dishi Na County” school feeding program, extending its reach to informal schools across the city. This initiative, originally focused on public schools, will now ensure that all school-going children in Nairobi, regardless of the type of institution they attend, benefit from the program.
Speaking during the launch of the third phase of the program in Umoja 1 on Monday, September 2, Sakaja also inaugurated a new kitchen in the area. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “In these informal schools, we shall sit down and see how they will be mapped and included in this feeding program.”
The launch of the third phase marks a major milestone, with all public schools in Nairobi now receiving food on time across the city’s 17 sub-counties. The “Dishi Na County” program, which aims to provide affordable meals to students, has seen the establishment of 17 kitchens countywide, seven of which were completed just before the start of the third school term.
Sakaja highlighted the program’s positive impact on students, noting that all participating public schools now offer meals for just five shillings per student. “Children should not miss school because of meals; we are happy that it is now a reality in Nairobi,” he added.
Deputy Governor Njoroge reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to student welfare, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling promises made to the public. “We are determined to deliver on all our commitments, and this feeding program for students is a key part of that. We will deliver,” he said.
Local leaders, including Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje Muriithi and Umoja One Area MCA Mark Ronald Mugambi, praised the initiative. They noted that the new kitchens would ensure more students have access to nutritious meals, thereby improving school attendance and academic performance.
The program, “Dishi Na County” program is providing meals to over 310,000 students across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties. With the completion of the kitchens, 152 public primary schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers are now equipped to offer meals at the affordable rate of five shillings per meal.
