Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian has urged the Senate Standing Committee on Education to provide a comprehensive statement on the implementation and transparency of the School Feeding Programme across the country.
In her request, Senator Lemaletian raised concerns over the management of the programme, which is primarily overseen by the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK) under the Ministry of Education. The initiative targets food-insecure and marginalized communities in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
The Senator highlighted that significant public resources have been invested to support vulnerable populations affected by drought, food insecurity, and other humanitarian challenges, stressing that transparency and accountability in the sourcing, allocation, and distribution of food supplies are critical.
Senator Lemaletian called on the committee to clarify the criteria used by the Ministry of Education in identifying beneficiary counties, sub-counties, and communities.
She also sought details on how food allocations are determined and whether distribution priorities are linked to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) allocations.
The lawmaker requested comprehensive data on the total quantity and value of food commodities procured and distributed under the programme, including allocations by county and the number of beneficiaries reached.
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She also asked for information on the sources of food commodities, supplier details, procurement procedures, and measures to ensure compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
Furthermore, Senator Lemaletian urged the committee to outline accountability, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms designed to track the movement, storage, and distribution of food supplies, as well as prevent diversion, loss, wastage, or misuse.
The legislator emphasized the need for transparency, equity, and inclusivity in food distribution, particularly in marginalized and ASAL areas, to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are reached fairly and without discrimination or favoritism.
By Obegi Malack
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