Kenya Commits to Ambitious School Feeding Program, Targeting 10 Million Students by 2030

President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious expansion of Kenya's national school feeding program, pledging to reach 10 million school-going children with nutritious meals by 2030.

During his address at the Global School Meals Coalition's second ministerial meeting, Ruto emphasized the program's benefits including improved nutrition access, enhanced learning outcomes, job creation, and community development. The initiative represents a significant scaling up of Kenya's existing efforts, which currently serve 2.6 million learners—a remarkable increase from the program's initial reach of 240,000 students. To support this expansion, the government has made a substantial commitment by tripling the program's budget allocation.

The program's evolution traces back to 1966 when it was first implemented in Nairobi, merely three years after Kenya gained independence. A key expansion occurred through a partnership with the World Food Programme, enabling nationwide coverage by 1980. By 2018, the initiative had been fully integrated into national policy, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's commitment to educational access and retention. Beyond its immediate nutritional impact, the program catalyzes broader economic development. President Ruto highlights its role in stimulating agricultural value chains and strengthening local food systems.

The initiative also demonstrates Kenya's commitment to environmental sustainability through its integration of climate-resilient practices. These include promoting clean cooking methods, encouraging the cultivation of drought-resistant crops, and advocating for climate-friendly school feeding practices through the 'Call to Action for Climate-Friendly School Feeding.' The operational plan launched earlier this month outlines the practical steps toward achieving the 2030 target. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes local sourcing of food supplies, which not only ensures fresh, nutritious meals for students but also generates economic opportunities within communities.

The approach creates a sustainable cycle of benefit, supporting local farmers and food producers while maintaining direct connections between agricultural production and school nutrition. President Ruto has called for unified support under the National School Meal Coalition, extending an invitation to other nations to join Kenya's mission of ensuring universal access to education through proper nutrition.