Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, told teachers and parents to keep off milk meant for the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners.

While distributing the school milk dubbed Ukombozi milk at the Kabolet and Wiyeta primary schools, Natembeya reiterated that the nutrition programme is aimed at encouraging learners to attend schools.

“Issued a stern warning against the diversion of milk for ECDE children in our county. This initiative has boosted school retention and is not meant for teachers and parents. We won’t tolerate selfish interests jeopardizing this,” Natembeya said.

Ukombozi milk

Early April this year, Natembeya launched the school feeding programme in the vast County, targeting at least 435 ECDE centres.

“Distributed Ukombozi milk to learners at Kabolet and Wiyeta Primary Schools and also commissioned ECDE classrooms and tutors offices,” the statement noted.

During its launch, Natembeya said the programme aims to eliminate the shame of hunger and ensure that all learners have the nutrition they need to succeed.

The programme ensures that some 41,000 ECDE learners across the County access the milk twice a week.

The ambitious project costs the Trans Nzoia County government approximately Ksh70 million according to Natembeya.

Trans Nzoia joins other counties that have introduced school feeding programmes to encourage enrolment in schools.

In March 2024, Busia County launched its ECDE school feeding programme to improve nutrition among children and increase enrolment as well as retention of learners in schools.

Governor  Paul Otuoma said that the county government had set aside Ksh30m for the programme within the 2023/2024 financial year.

In 2023, Muranga County launched a similar school feeding programme in which President William Ruto presided over and served the students tea with bananas on the side.

Isiolo County would also launch a feeding programme that aims to provide porridge every day to learners.

Isiolo County Governor noted that the Ksh7m initiative is aimed at addressing hunger, and malnutrition and enhancing school attendance.

A similar programme was also launched in Nairobi with Governor Johnson Sakaja dubbed Dishi na County where parents or guardians are required to pay Ksh5 while the County settles the rest of the bill for all schools in the city.

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