By Kage Njoroge
A nutrition programme to promote healthy feeding and hygienic practices has been launched.
The programme is aimed at addressing food insecurity and boost academic performance in learning institutions.
Geared to raise nutrition, health, wellness awareness and physical education among school-age children, the Nestle Healthy Kids Programme is being rolled out at basic school level in the country.
The programme is initiated by nestle Kenya limited, a global food processing company in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
According to Nestlé’s Regulatory, Communication and Public Affairs Manager, James Ojiambo, the strategy aims to fill up a gap in tackling food, nutrition and physical activities in the learning institutions.
Speaking during the launch of the programme in Murang’a, Ojiambo explained that the move intends to create awareness in addressing nutrition challenges among school children aged between 6 to 12 years.
Today, this strategy has reached over 420,000 children spread out in different counties in the country, adds Ojiambo.
A senior Assistant Director of Curriculum Development at KICD Olive Wambui Mbuthia (above) confirmed the Education Ministry is working with Nestles to implement the initiative.
The Director pointed out that schools are supported to establish kitchen gardens to run feeding prorammes for their pupils.
This will offer training ground for children on food crops production, agricultural practices and boost adoption of the programme by the grassroot communities.
The official recognises that the initiative will help to confront emerging lifestyle diseases attributed to poor eating culture in the country.
