The Government has officially launched a groundbreaking school milk initiative aimed at improving child nutrition, enhancing school attendance, and supporting rural economies.
The #feedoneendhunger School Milk Pilot Program was inaugurated yesterday at Kachororoni Primary School in Ganze Constituency, Kilifi County, by the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, alongside First Lady H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto.
First Lady H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto. Photo/Courtesy: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
The initiative, a partnership between the Ministry and the Office of the First Lady, seeks to provide every child with a daily glass of milk, a simple but transformative step in tackling childhood malnutrition across Kenya. The program not only nourishes children but also creates a sustainable market for local dairy farmers, boosting livelihoods in rural areas.
“This is about more than just milk,” said PS Mueke. “It’s about building a healthier, more educated generation while supporting our farmers and rural communities.”
Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke. Photo/Courtesy: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
In addition to the milk program, the First Lady and PS Mueke toured kitchen gardens cultivated by pupils at the school. These gardens, designed to enhance food security and diversify diets, empower learners and their families by providing access to fresh, nutrient-rich produce.
Together, the school milk initiative and kitchen gardens exemplify a holistic approach to eradicating hunger, starting at the grassroots. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up such efforts under the banner of #BETAKILIMO, ensuring that no child learns on an empty stomach.
The pilot program is expected to be expanded to more schools nationwide in the coming months.
Written By Rodney Mbua
