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A Major Boost for School Nutrition in Kenya
First Lady Rachel Ruto has launched a school milk programme in Migori County, aiming to improve children’s nutrition, health, and learning outcomes. This initiative, in collaboration with the State Department for Livestock Development and the Kenya Dairy Board, seeks to ensure that schoolchildren receive essential nutrients through free milk distribution.
This move is a step towards enhancing school feeding programmes in Kenya, tackling child hunger, and boosting education performance. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of supporting learners in public schools, especially in marginalized areas.
Why a School Milk Programme?
Studies have shown that proper nutrition plays a crucial role in children’s academic performance, concentration, and overall health. Many children in rural and urban poor communities go to school hungry, affecting their ability to focus in class. By introducing milk in schools, the government aims to:
- Improve children’s health and immune systems.
- Boost school attendance and concentration levels.
- Reduce malnutrition rates among school-going children.
- Enhance learning outcomes by ensuring students are well-fed.
The school milk programme could serve as a model for expanding school feeding programmes in Kenya, reinforcing the importance of nutrition in education.
Launch of the Milk Programme in Migori County
The pilot programme was officially launched on March 7, 2025, in Nyatike Constituency, Migori County. The Kenya Dairy Board will oversee the supply and packaging of the milk, ensuring it is delivered in tamper-proof packets to prevent contamination or resale.
The launch event was attended by:
- Rachel Ruto – Kenya’s First Lady
- Julius Mueke – Agriculture Principal Secretary
- Joseph Motari – Agriculture Principal Secretary
- Ochillo Ayacko – Governor of Migori County
- Other government officials and education stakeholders
With this high-profile launch, Kenya’s school feeding programme is gaining momentum as a long-term solution to food security in schools.
The Role of the MaMa Feeding Programme
This milk programme builds on the First Lady’s MaMa Feeding Programme, which was introduced in December 2023. The MaMa Feeding Programme, operating under the slogan “Feed a child, educate a future”, focuses on providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren in informal settlements and marginalized communities.
The introduction of milk in schools is expected to complement this feeding initiative by:
- Offering a nutritious supplement to existing school meals.
- Encouraging school enrolment and retention, particularly among vulnerable children.
- Promoting dairy farming in Kenya, creating a market for local farmers.
This initiative reinforces the importance of school feeding programmes in bridging the nutrition gap and ensuring children can learn without hunger distractions.
Impact of the School Milk Programme on Learning and Health
A well-fed child is a healthy and productive learner. Experts highlight that milk provides essential proteins, calcium, and vitamins, which are crucial for:
- Bone development and growth.
- Cognitive function and memory retention.
- Stronger immune systems to fight common childhood diseases.
Incorporating school feeding programmes with milk distribution ensures that children from low-income families receive at least one nutritional meal in school daily. This could significantly improve academic performance in Kenya, particularly in public schools where learners often struggle with hunger-related challenges.
Will the School Milk Programme Be Expanded Nationwide?
The pilot phase in Migori County is a testing ground for future expansion. If successful, the **Kenyan government may extend the programme to more counties, covering a larger population of public school learners.
This initiative could also see support from:
- County governments looking to implement local school feeding programmes.
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on children’s welfare.
- Private sector partners, including Kenya’s dairy industry players, who could help sustain milk supply in schools.
The success of Kenya’s school feeding initiative will depend on sustained funding, public-private partnerships, and policy support from relevant stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the school milk programme?
The school milk programme aims to improve children’s nutrition, health, and learning outcomes by providing free milk in schools. The initiative targets public school learners, especially in rural and marginalized areas, to reduce malnutrition and boost school performance.
2. Who is funding the school milk programme?
The programme is a collaborative effort between the Kenyan government, the State Department for Livestock Development, and the Kenya Dairy Board. It may also attract support from county governments, private sector partners, and NGOs focused on school feeding programmes in Kenya.
3. Which schools are benefiting from the milk programme?
The pilot phase is currently running in Nyatike Constituency, Migori County. If successful, the Kenyan government may expand the school milk programme to other counties, ensuring more children receive nutritional support in schools.
4. How often will students receive milk?
While details on the distribution frequency are still emerging, the Kenya Dairy Board has assured that the milk will be regularly supplied in tamper-proof packets to prevent contamination and resale. The frequency may depend on funding and logistical support.
5. What are the expected benefits of the school milk programme?
- Improved child nutrition by providing essential proteins, calcium, and vitamins.
- Enhanced learning as well-fed students perform better academically.
- Increased school attendance by encouraging children to stay in school.
- Support for dairy farmers by creating a sustainable market for milk.
- Stronger immune systems for children, reducing common illnesses.
6. How does the milk programme relate to the MaMa Feeding Programme?
The MaMa Feeding Programme, launched by First Lady Rachel Ruto in December 2023, provides nutritious meals to schoolchildren under the slogan “Feed a child, educate a future.” The school milk programme complements this initiative by ensuring children receive milk as an additional source of nutrition.
7. Will the school milk programme be extended to other counties?
If the pilot programme in Migori County proves successful, the Kenyan government may scale it up to cover more counties. The expansion will depend on funding, logistics, and partnerships with county governments and private stakeholders.
8. How can stakeholders support the school milk programme?
Stakeholders, including county governments, NGOs, private companies, and well-wishers, can support the initiative by:
- Providing funding or logistical support for distribution.
- Partnering with the Kenya Dairy Board to ensure sustainable milk supply.
- Advocating for school feeding policies that include nutritious food and milk in schools.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Better Nutrition in Schools
The launch of the school milk programme by First Lady Rachel Ruto marks a positive step in enhancing school feeding programmes in Kenya. By addressing malnutrition in schools, this initiative could transform education outcomes for thousands of children, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.
