First Lady Rachael Ruto has called on African leaders to prioritize investment in school feeding programs, emphasizing their critical role in securing the continent’s future.
A Lifeline for Education
Speaking at Kaptembwa Primary School in Nakuru during World Children’s Day celebrations, Mrs. Ruto stressed that providing children with daily nutritious meals is key to keeping them in school and ensuring they receive quality education.
“The best way to ensure children stay in school and learn is by providing them with a nutritious, hot meal every day,” she said.
Kenya currently provides meals to 2.5 million learners daily, with a goal to increase this to 7.5 million in the next four years and 10 million by 2030.
A Call for Greater Investment
Mrs. Ruto urged county governments and Members of Parliament to allocate more resources to expand the program, noting that school feeding initiatives should be seen not as an expense but as an investment in the country’s future.
“By supporting school feeding programs, we are not only ensuring the success of our children but also the success of Africa as a whole,” she said.
Addressing Hunger and Malnutrition
The First Lady reiterated her commitment to combating hunger and malnutrition in schools through initiatives like kitchen gardens for short-term crops and fruit gardens. She encouraged schools with large tracts of land to establish model farms to feed learners and educate communities.
“School feeding programs are a pillar of education. They not only reduce dropout rates but also ensure better transitions in lower classes,” Mrs. Ruto added.
Economic and Social Benefits
Highlighting the transformative impact of such programs, the First Lady noted that counties with active school feeding initiatives have reported increased enrollment and retention rates.
“School feeding programs are an equalizer that enables dreams, one plate at a time. For some children, this meal might be their only sure meal of the day,” she observed.
A Vision for Africa
Mrs. Ruto challenged African and global leaders to invest in children by expanding school feeding programs. “By doing so, we are investing in a brighter future for the continent,” she concluded.
Through her advocacy, the First Lady seeks to ensure that no child is left behind in education due to hunger, reinforcing school feeding as a cornerstone for Kenya’s growth and development.
