The Governor of Meru Kawira Mwangaza has initiated a feeding program for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners, allocating an annual budget of Ksh78 million to support this endeavor.
Speaking during a launch event held at the county headquarters, Mwangaza noted that the programme aims to benefit 60,000 pupils attending 777 ECDE centres across the country with each pupil will receiving a daily serving of fortified porridge from Monday to Friday.
She further said that an allocation of Ksh400 per child per month has been made, with each school maintaining an account for proper fund management.
“The primary objectives of this program are to boost enrollment, improve pupil retention in ECDE, and enhance the overall nutrition of young learners,” the Governor stated.
She expressed concern over the dire circumstances faced by many children in arid and semi-arid regions where poverty has led to school dropouts and inadequate nutrition, further adding that some schools have low enrollments as low as 15 learners.
“A management committee, consisting of five individuals for each school, has been established to oversee fund utilization and maintain the program’s continuity,” Mwangaza said.
She also encouraged the parents to be collaborative to ensure its long-term effectiveness.
The Governor stressed the importance of supporting local communities by purchasing program supplies from nearby villages, allowing residents to benefit directly.
She presented a cheque of Ksh.58 million for infrastructural development in Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) and ECDE centers throughout Meru County.
An additional Ksh136 million was allocated for bursaries and Ksh3million for each ward, along with exam fee coverage for students in vocational training centers.
By John Majau
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