By Our Reporter
The Government will boost food production in 26 Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) areas with an aim of improving enrollment, retention and performance of learners in schools.
Speaking suring a meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mr. Ezekiel Machogu at Jogoo House offices, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mr. Mithika Linturi said his Ministry will bring together development partners to provide water and other related infrastructure, through irrigation, to improve food production in the areas.
Mr. Machogu said the government is feeding 2.5 million learners in ASAL counties as well as informal settlements in urban areas under the Home-Grown Schools Meals Programme (HGSMP).
He said the learners are spread in 10 ASAL Counties, 16 semi-arid counties and informal urban settlements in 10 counties.
Mr. Linturi said Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and other development partners will provide irrigation systems and put people into farming and ensure more children get into and remain in schools.
Present during the meeting were Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, his University Education and Research and Vocational and Technical Training Counterparts, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala and Dr. Esther Muhoria respectively.
