President William Ruto has praised Nairobi County’s “Dishi Na County” school feeding program for its impact on student retention and the fight against food insecurity. The initiative celebrated serving 30 million meals. Speaking at the Global School Meals Coalition ministerial meeting, Ruto emphasized the role of school feeding programs in Kenya’s educational agenda.
“I am very proud of what Nairobi County is doing in feeding our learners. Food for Education has done a remarkable job of providing for them,” he said, noting the program’s contribution to creating a supportive learning environment for students.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja highlighted the achievement of “Dishi Na County,” which has provided over 30 million meals within just 14 months of its launch, nourishing more than 310,000 students across 230 public schools in 17 sub-counties. In his address at a recent coalition meeting, Governor Sakaja underscored the initiative’s transformative impact, especially for students in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
“‘Dishi Na County’ aims to reach even more schools and has already provided over 30 million meals at an affordable cost of just five shillings,” Sakaja noted. He emphasized that no child is ever denied a meal due to inability to pay, thanks to support from partners and the national government.
Since its launch, the program has delivered meals daily, a commitment that Governor Sakaja credits for increasing school enrollment by 34 percent. Beyond nourishing students, the program has also created economic opportunities for local farmers and vendors who supply food.
“Thousands of Kenyans now earn a living because of ‘Dishi Na County.’ We buy produce from our farmers nationwide and have employed thousands to make this program work,” Sakaja stated.
The program has become a lifeline for Nairobi’s children, bringing nourishment and happiness. Dominic Muirigi, a driver who delivers meals to schools in Kibera, spoke about the warm reception he experienced. “Even matatus give way to our trucks when they know we’re delivering food,” he shared. “Seeing those smiles makes every journey worth it.”
With “Dishi Na County” currently serving 310,000 students this term, Governor Sakaja celebrated the partnerships making this possible. “The smiles of these children are the ultimate testament to the program’s impact,” he affirmed.
