812 public early childhood development education centres (ECDEs) across Kilifi County benefit from Kes50 million porridge flour to cushion against the adverse effects of drought.

The porridge flour is part of the School Feeding Program unveiled by Governor Gideon Mung’aro last year and it is expected to last the entire current school term.

Kilifi County Deputy Governor Flora Chibule received the consignment last week saying that early childhood education is a critical stage of human development and the county has given it special attention to ensure learners are in good condition as the county grapples with the drought calamity.

Speaking during the launch of the distribution exercise, Chibule noted that the County government is looking into ways of making this initiative sustainable, especially in the wake of prolonged drought across the county.


Further, she said within the short period of its implementation, the feeding program has greatly helped in retaining children in school.

 And reduced absenteeism which has improved the academic performance and health of the children.

Additionally, she revealed that the county is working to fill the shortage of ECDE teachers across the public primary schools in the county to improve learning.

“We purpose to ensure that our ECDE centres are refurbished and staffed with adequate personnel in our efforts to enhance the delivery of quality childhood education,” she said

Kilifi County is among the regions hard hit by the effects of drought with school children affected by malnutrition due to lack of food and water.