The Isiolo government has launched a school feeding programme targeting 165 ECDE centres.
Governor Abdi Guyo on Thursday said children in these centres will be getting a cup of porridge daily.
The Sh7 million initiative is aimed at addressing hunger, malnutrition and enhancing school attendance.
The nutritious porridge will contain sugar, corn, soybeans, fortified vitamins and minerals.
"Every child in the 165 ECDE centres across the county will receive a daily serving of fortified porridge, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and eliminating barriers to school attendance due to food scarcity," Guyo said.
Education executive Aileen Kajuju urged parents to enrol their children in school.
She said the programme not only combats malnutrition but also ensures no child misses school due to lack of food.
The school feeding programme is supported by President William Ruto.
Last year, he said the government will continue to expand school feeding programmes to ensure no child is left out.
“Many children are not going to school because of hunger. We want to increase the number from 1.5 to four million under the programme because we want to make sure every child is in school,” Ruto said.
“In our budget this year, we have increased money to ensure there is food in our schools. We have schools in different environments like the arid and semi-arid areas, informal settlements and many children are not going to school because of hunger.”
Bursary launch
Governor Guyo also launched Sh70 million bursary for 2023-24.
The bursary will benefit Isiolo students in secondary schools, colleges and universities.
"The launch of the bursary fund marks a significant leap forward in the county's efforts to provide accessible education, showcasing the dedication of my administration to the welfare and development of the youth in Isiolo county," Guyo said.
He pledged to increase the budget for bursary to Sh100 million in the next financial year.
The bursary fund injection promises to be a game changer, offering financial relief and educational opportunities to countless students in Isiolo.
Governor Guyo also said they have increased investments in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVETs).
"My government will ensure more youths enrol in TVETs and get skills instead of being used by politicians to cause chaos," he said.
Guyo said key areas of focus include staffing, capitation grants and equipment.
He said there are plans for additional infrastructure and construction of a new TVET centre in Kinna.
