Members of Meru County Assembly (MCAs), have raised concerns over the sustainability of a school feeding programme after the county executive spent Ksh53 million to provide fortified porridge to Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) learners for a single term.
Governor Isaac Mutuma recently launched the School Porridge Programme targeting 63,946 learners enrolled in 784 public ECDE centres across the county.
According to the supplementary budget report tabled in the assembly; Ksh50 million was spent on procuring porridge flour, while Ksh3 million went towards training officers on food safety standards.
This translates to a capitation of Ksh829 per learner for the second term of the 2026 academic year for pre-primary 1 and 2 pupils. However, the Meru County School Meals and Nutrition Policy, passed earlier this year, had projected a capitation of Ksh400 per learner per term.
The policy notes that capitation may be reviewed from time to time, stating that each learner would receive Ksh400 per term, or Ksh1,200 annually.
The sharp increase in second-term spending has alarmed Members of County Assembly, who warn the programme may not be sustainable in the long run.
On Wednesday, the Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee directed the executive to conduct a sustainability audit of the ECDE porridge initiative.
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Committee chairperson Martin Makasi, the MCA for Nkuene Ward, said the Ksh53 million allocation was excessive for a single term.
“The committee notes with concern that this expenditure will only cater for 63,000 learners for one term. This could push annual costs to over Ksh150 million,” Makasi said.
He added that the Department of Education should submit a detailed sustainability report to the assembly and enhance accountability to ensure value for money.
Makasi noted that the committee had initially hoped the Sh54 million allocation would cover at least two academic terms.
The concerns come against the backdrop of a previous ECDE feeding initiative, free milk introduced in 2018—which was discontinued due to financial constraints.
Despite the criticism, Governor Mutuma defended the programme, saying it is grounded in law and policy and meets all food safety standards.
“The flour procured adheres to the guidelines and quality standards set out in the policy document,” he said.
The governor added that the initiative aims to reduce absenteeism, boost enrolment, and support learners in semi-arid areas prone to crop failure.
“We want to ensure no child is left behind because of hunger. The programme will also support the development of critical interpersonal skills among young learners,” he said.
Previously, the County Assembly declined to fund a similar feeding programme proposed by former governor Kawira Mwangaza, citing the absence of a policy framework.
The current School Meals and Nutrition Policy outlines guidelines on procurement, storage, handling, hygiene, cooking, and rationing for learners.
By John Majau
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