Mwingi leaders urge state to reintroduce school meals

Mwingi politicians and the clergy have urged the government to hasten relief food distribution following rain failure over the last three years.

The leaders said the government should also consider distributing food to schools to boost education.

They spoke on Sunday at Nzaaiku market in Mwingi West.

Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna said since the National Assembly had passed the budget to cater for school feeding programmes, the initiative should be hastened to salvage the situation.

"In the past three years, most areas in Kitui have experienced insufficient rainfall leading to the looming drought," he said.

Nguna said the government-distributed food is insufficient and should be increased.

Bishop Robert Mutemi of Global Vision Church said most children are going to school on empty stomachs.

"I urge the government to reintroduce the school feeding programme so that children can study comfortably. Learning on an empty stomach is challenging and almost impossible," he said.

Mutemi blamed the drought for the poor performance in most schools.

He however faulted politicians for failing to address the hunger-stricken residents saying the country should first take care of its citizens and not prioritise politics.

"The worst calamity now is not even Covid-19, it is hunger that might soon start claiming lives. The government should act swiftly," Mutemi said.

Nzawa senior assistant chief Daniel Kyuma Ikui said 70 per cent of residents are hard hit by famine and urged the government to increase relief food distribution.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)