0
0
The Committee on Implementation has expressed concerns over inefficiencies plaguing the school feeding program and is calling for the program to be streamlined.
Speaking during a meeting with Ministry of Education officials led by the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof. Belio Kipsang, the lawmakers sought clarification on why a House Resolution approved on November 2, 2022, has yet to be fully implemented.
Concerns were raised after the PS attributed the implementation challenges to inadequate budgetary funding, though he pledged that the government plans to attain universal school feeding by 2030.
“In the school feeding program, we received Ksh. 1.96 billion in the 2022/2023 Financial Year. We also received Ksh. 5.4 billion in the 2023/2024 Financial Year. However, in FY 2024/2025, the budget has been reduced to Ksh. 3.0 billion,” PS Kipsang told MPs.
The Motion, sponsored by Hon. Elsie Muhanda of Kakamega County, seeks the development of a school feeding policy to cover basic education, ensuring children’s continued attendance for effective learning and improved well-being.
According to the PS, the program, which began in 1979 in response to a severe drought, now covers 2.6 million learners in 8,185 schools across the country as of 2024. Despite current challenges, Kipsang assured Members that Kenya, as part of the Global School Meals Coalition, is committed to achieving universal school feeding by 2030, increasing coverage to 10 million learners.
Committee Members, led by Chair Hon. Wanjala, pressed the PS on why this goal could not be achieved sooner.
“PS, you are well aware that food is a human right. Our expectation was that you would update us on the measures you have put in place to roll out the school feeding program not only in arid and semi-arid areas but across the country,” Hon. Wanjala pointed out.
Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba questioned the reduction of the school feeding budget, expressing concerns that the budget cuts could lead to food rationing for learners.
“PS, does it mean that the budget cuts will now see our learners put under food rationing?” asked Hon. Kipchumba.
Meanwhile, Kajiado Central MP, Hon. Memusi Kanchory, hinted that the Committee might recommend anchoring the program under the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to improve efficiency. He argued that a devolved system would better achieve the program’s goals and ensure full implementation of the House Resolution.
“PS, this is a very serious program. I believe that some of the challenges facing its full implementation are due to operational inefficiencies. This program can only run efficiently if it is devolved rather than managed from Nairobi,” he observed.
The legislator posited that rolling out the program through the Fund would save operational costs and respond to the specific nutritional needs of learners in various parts of the country.
The PS also informed the Committee that the Ministry is finalizing a policy for consideration by the National Assembly, which would guide the program’s operation and properly anchor the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK) in law. The Council is tasked with meeting the education needs of marginalized communities in Kenya, ensuring their traditions and values are respected while aiming for Education for All.
In the absence of comprehensive data on the program’s implementation, Hon. Wanjala directed that the PS reappear in two weeks with a detailed report to enable the Committee to determine the program’s implementation status.
