Kenya's school feeding program has gained international recognition across its borders. https://t.co/8yQxI18Rok pic.twitter.com/2dUFfnOUT9
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) October 18, 2023
Beyond its borders, Kenya's school feeding program has garnered international recognition.
Therefore, Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi will be in France for the First Global School Feeding Coalition meeting.
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French President Emmanuel Macron had asked Sakaja and President William Ruto to honor the occasion.
Felix Koskei, Head of Public Service, requested Sakaja to represent the President, noting that he had other obligations.
"Due to prior official commitments, His Excellency the President will be unable to attend this meeting. In this regard, the President has requested that you represent him at this meeting given that you have been invited as well," reads the letter addressed to Sakaja on October 5, 2023.
On October 18, 2023, the two-day summit will begin with Governor Sakaja attending the esteemed School Meals Coalition inaugural ceremony.
Several heads of state and ministers have convened to discuss ways to fund school meal programs that address climate change and promote sustainable food systems.
Sakaja's speech is anticipated to focus on his August 2023 launch of the "Dishi na County" school feeding program.
"The biggest impact we have is not pegged on data or numbers, it is that the children know that somebody cares about them," he said on Tuesday when speaking to students at a sideline meeting of his one-week official meeting in Paris.
Our delegation received the high honor of being hosted by my friend and great friend of Kenya H.E Ms Chrisolou Zacharopoulou, the Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships @CZacharopoulou to a special dinner reception last evening in Paris. pic.twitter.com/DvyZGY04cW
— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) October 18, 2023
The governor said that the feeding program is dedicated to providing a healthy meal to every student attending public elementary and early childhood development education centers every school day.
The initiative is anticipated to enhance children's transition rates, school attendance, performance, and nutritional status in Nairobi.
Dishi Na County is now focusing on 42 schools as part of its Phase One program.
We are grateful for the commitment of €1.4M and the further scaling up of partnership in our school feeding program as well as other areas between ourselves and 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/eH9Iyeykaj
— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) October 18, 2023
Sakaja included Sh1.2 billion for the feeding program in his first budget for 2023–2024.
Amounts of about Sh500 million were set aside to construct seven additional kitchens and cover the plate cost for every youngster.
Since June 2023, ten central kitchens for the initiative have been built.
