Kipipiri MP launches Sh30 million school feeding programme

MP Wanjiku Muhia (second left) at Kipipiri NCPB depot after flagging off a consignment of foodstuff. [James Munyeki, Standard]

A school feeding programme targeting to benefit students in 30 secondary schools in Kipipiri constituency is expected to begin next week in a bid to boost attendance in classes.

Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia who is the patron of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), said a total of Sh30 million will be used to finance the programme.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Kipipiri National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot after flagging off a consignment of foodstuff for the programme, Wanjiku said she intends to reduce the financial burden on parents through the initiative.

The programme is a replica of the initiative in Kiharu constituency.

"This is one way of promoting education in this area. We have learned from our leaders in other regions and that is why we will implement this programme in this area," she said.

The programme dubbed Masomo bora, includes a bursary scheme for day scholars, where beneficiaries will only pay Sh2,000 per term while NG-CDF kitty caters for the remaining balance of Sh4,000.

Wanjiku embraced the programme after bench-marking meetings involving headteachers, directors of education, and NG-CDF staff from Kipipiri.

The feeding programme will provide meals to the students - six days a week. The students will be served with porridge at ten o'clock, replacing tea that they used to take previously.

The MP challenged parents to ensure students attend school without fail saying her office has now taken over paying salaries for teachers employed by the Board of Management and subordinate staff.

The lawmaker spent the day supervising the distribution of foodstuff for the school feeding programme in all four wards of Kipipiri.

Parents described the initiative as a big step towards uplifting education standards in the constituency.