BY TAMIA NUNA
On September 15, 2023, Kenya recorded a historic rise in fuel prices, surpassing the Sh.200. This development poses a substantial challenge as Kenyans are already grappling with the ongoing challenges of high inflation, climate change, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those most severely affected are low-income households, which allocate a substantial portion of their income towards food expenditures, as evident in Keynes’ consumption function theory.
However, a segment of the population that often goes overlooked when discussing the implications of these economic crises is the children. Children represent our future generation, and their well-being plays a pivotal role in shaping a healthier and more secure future. Adequate nutrition during the school years is critical to foster the mental, physical, and psychosocial development of children. Regrettably, a staggering 80% of students in public schools lack access to regular school meals, and a concerning 1 in 5 children suffer from stunted growth. This dire situation is exacerbated by the high cost of living, especially in urban and peri-urban areas, and the recurrent droughts in various regions of Kenya.
The “Dishi Na County” program is a school feeding initiative designed to provide over 250,000 children in public primary schools in Nairobi County with nutritious meals at a subsidized cost of 5 shillings, supported by an annual budget of Sh. 1.7 billion. Research has consistently demonstrated that school feeding programs not only alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and anemia but also significantly enhance school attendance, improve student retention, and even boost academic and cognitive performance. Moreover, these programs contribute to greater gender equality regarding access to education.
Furthermore, beyond its direct impact on students, the feeding program also plays a pivotal role in stimulating local economic development for both farmers and distribution channels. It serves as a social protection source for vulnerable families susceptible to adverse shocks like droughts, which can disrupt their access to food.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of this program, several key measures should be implemented. First and foremost, the continuity of the initiative must remain a top priority, regardless of shifts in the political landscape. Second, it is imperative that this program garners full-fledged support and collaboration from key sectors, including agriculture, education, and local administration. Additionally, the county government should establish mechanisms to connect local farmers with schools, thereby creating a stable market for fresh, locally-grown produce. The county government can further incentivize these farmers by subsidizing essential inputs.
A robust monitoring and evaluation framework is crucial for tracking progress and assessing the effectiveness of the projects. The data and insights gained from this process are pivotal in ensuring accountability across all stakeholders. Lastly, there should be comprehensive plans for medium- and long-term expenditure, aligning with a sustainable domestic funding growth path that is proportionate to changes in student enrollment.
In conclusion, the “Dishi Na County” feeding program has a discernibly positive impact on children’s education and health. To ensure its lasting effectiveness and influence, it is important to prioritize its sustainability and long-term viability.
Tamia Nuna is a Sexual and Reproductive health and Rights Youth Advocate at NAYA-SAIC II,
SAIC II (Safe and Inclusive Cities) is a programme that aims at promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and SGBV interventions by sharpening skills and providing opportunities to young people to drive sustainable, gender-transformative change in society. It also aims at ensuring that the civil society protects the rights of young people and is responsive to their needs. The interventions will take part in informal settlements in Nairobi (Mathare, Huruma, Kibera) and Kisumu (Nyalenda, Kondele).
