KILIFI, Kenya — First Lady Rachel Ruto is advocating for enhanced collaborations to bolster and expand school feeding programs in public primary schools nationwide.
Speaking at Kachororoni Primary School in Ganze, Kilifi County, where she launched the expansion of the national school milk program, the First Lady urged government bodies, private sector entities, and local communities to unite in combating classroom hunger.
“A packet of milk is power in a child’s hand. Investing a child’s nutrition is investing in Kenya’s future. It serves as a reminder of the positive impact we can have if we work collaboratively,” stated the First Lady.
The national school milk program falls under the ‘Feed One End Hunger’ initiative, a key program from the Office of the First Lady. This initiative aims to equip public schools with the resources and knowledge to cultivate their own food through kitchen gardens and orchards.
The First Lady emphasized that by providing milk to students and supporting the growth of fruits and vegetables within school grounds, the initiative not only tackles malnutrition and food insecurity but also fosters practical learning.
“Our mission at feed one end hunger is centered around empowering schools to cultivate and produce their own food sustainably, creating an independent relationship between education and nutrition,” said the First Lady.
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She added, “In doing so we aim to turn every public primary school compound into a thriving sanctuary where students can learn about sustainable practices while enjoying fresh healthy meals.”
She commended 22 students from Kachororoni Primary School who have successfully established kitchen gardens at home, applying the skills they learned at school.
She noted, “The joy and pride they express in cultivating their own food is a testament to the positive impact our program is having.”
The First Lady was joined by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu, and other local leaders.
