Kilifi County Halts School Feeding Programme After Pupils Made to Recite Hindu Prayers

Seventeen schools in Kilifi County have had their feeding programmes suspended after a video emerged showing pupils being made to recite religious prayers before receiving meals.

Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Kibiwott confirmed the suspension and said investigations are ongoing to determine how the incident occurred. The affected schools, 16 primary and one secondary, had recently held a meeting in Mombasa to review the structure of their food distribution, during which the disputed practices are believed to have been introduced.

“We have stopped the children’s foundation from supplying food to our schools until further notice,” Kibiwott said. “If you want to help, do so in a good way, not by forcing learners into practices that are clearly wrong, as seen in those video clips.”

The programme, which began in 2019, had previously operated without incident. However, recent footage shows children being guided to recite Hindu prayers, reportedly linked to the donor organisation, before receiving food. In some cases, the prayers were written on classroom boards and led by teachers. 

One video shows a head teacher participating in the prayers, while another depicts portraits associated with the Krishna Foundation displayed in a school office. Civil society groups have criticised the development, saying such actions undermine the rights of learners. 

The Elimu Bora Working Group issued a statement condemning the practice, stressing that no child should be compelled to compromise their beliefs in order to access food or education. The incident has raised broader concerns about the influence of donor organisations in public schools, particularly when support is tied to specific cultural or religious practices. 

Officials and education stakeholders are now calling for stronger safeguards to ensure that partnerships with external organisations uphold the rights and dignity of all students.