Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya has launched a free milk programme for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centreswithin the devolved unit.

The programme which targets to benefit 41,000 children who are in 434 centres across the county will cost Kes 70m and it will see each learner get a packet of milk twice a week.

Speaking during the launch of the programme at Kitale Primary, Natembeya said the programme will address the challenge of malnutrition among children and ensure their general well-being even as their education needs are met.

Mr Natembeya urged teachers to be custodians of the programme and advised them to ensure that no packet of milk finds its way out of the learning institutions.

“Am urging teachers to help protect this programme for us to achieve the intended objectives. Let teachers ensure that no learner takes milk out of the school compound. This milk is meant for the learners and it should only be taken at school.”

The programme had earlier been piloted in 50 centres in the County at a cost of Kes 8 million.

On his part, Tiwani Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Daddy Were hailed the County Government for the commitment towards ensuring ECDE sector in Trans Nzoia ranks among the best in the country.

He mentioned the recent placement of 800 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms as a noble move.

This  comes at a time when the  county has implemented plans to employ 160 more teachers on the same terms.