First Lady Rachel Ruto is behind the drive to revive the national school milk programme through the Feed One End Hunger initiative inspired by the legendary Maziwa ya Nyayo programme of former President Daniel arap Moi.
A pilot has already started in Migori and Nakuru counties where pupils get two packets of milk per week for a year. If it succeeds, this could be a flagship project under President William Ruto’s administration.
Dairy Sector’s Support for Nationwide Rollout
On Friday, the First Lady met with 40 milk processors and the Kenya Dairy Board to discuss the programme’s expansion.
“Many of us remember the impact of Maziwa ya Nyayo which boosted school attendance and nutrition. We want to build on that legacy. A packet of milk in each child’s hand is the key to their future, for farmers and our country’s economy,” she said.
Milk processors have expressed support, citing the programme’s nutritional and economic benefits.
Aligns with Government’s Education Goals
The programme fits into Kenya’s 100% school enrolment policy to improve attendance and learning outcomes and nutrition for school children.
Government is working with milk processors including New KCC Limited to ensure steady milk supply to schools.
Expert Support and Historical Impact
Education experts have welcomed the initiative, saying it will reduce malnutrition, increase enrolment and support the local dairy industry.
“A school milk programme will help to tackle malnutrition, increase enrolment rates and give farmers a ready market,” said Prof. Tom Nyamache of Turkana University.
The original school milk programme under President Moi covered 4.3 million pupils in 11,000 public primary schools targeting children aged 5-7 years.
Counties already doing School Milk and Feeding Programmes
Some counties have already launched school milk and feeding programmes to keep learners in school. These include:
- Uasin Gishu – Supports 40,000 learners in 687 ECDE centres with milk twice a week.* Mombasa – Was the first to implement school milk programme in 2014 and benefits 35,000 nursery and lower primary pupils daily.
- Nairobi – Governor Johnson Sakaja has the Dishi na County feeding programme.
- Other counties: Migori, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Bomet, Kericho, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Homa Bay, Makueni, Embu, Nandi, Kajiado, Narok, Samburu, Nyandarua, Meru and Murang’a.
Kenya Dairy Board has been pushing for revival of school milk programmes. In 2015, it engaged county governments to encourage adoption to boost local dairy markets and increase school enrolment.
A New Opportunity
Former President Moi’s school milk programme started in 1979 and saw a 23% increase in school attendance in rural areas within the first year. It disappeared in the mid-1990s due to funding constraints.
With the First Lady’s renewed push and stakeholders on board, this could be a game changer for education and nutrition in Kenya and the local dairy industry.