France pledges Sh160 million to Sakaja’s school feeding programme
By Kevin CheruiyotThe French Government has pledged Sh160 million towrds the school feeding programme launched recently by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
This was confirmed during a meeting between the county boss and Dr Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, France Minister of State for Development.
On September 4, 2023, Mr Sakaja and Dr Chrysoula visiting both Toi Primary School and Olympic Primary School in Kibra to assess the programme.
The Sakaja thanked the French government and other partners for the donation.
He explained that the programme is gaining momentum, and assured all stakeholders that very soon, all the counties will benchmark from him and enroll the same in their respective areas.
The recently launched programme ensures children in public primary schools and ECDs get a nutritious hot meal each day for Sh5 daily.
Governor Sakaja exuded confidence the feeding programme will not only keep children in school but also increase enrollment.
We are expecting increased enrollment in the schools because when children know that there is food, the parent will be sending their children to school.”
To accommodate the expected high enrollment, the governor said the county has embarked on constructing five thousand new classrooms in a period of three years.
He reiterated that urban poverty is a major problem to many families leaving in Nairobi.
“Urban-poverty really stings. It stings more than rural poverty but we are happy and we thank God for that we have been able to remove that sting from our children.”
About 80,000 pupils , attached to 46 schools in Nairobi are benefiting from the first phase of the programme. A further 100,000 pupils are expected to benefit from the the second phase of the programme before the end of 2023.
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