Kiambu County’s “Maziwa Freshi na Wamatangi” school feeding program is significantly impacting early childhood education. This initiative provides fortified porridge daily, eggs twice a week, and milk every Thursday to over 39,000 children across 524 public Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers.
The program, championed by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, has led to a notable increase in ECDE enrollment, rising from 32,000 to over 39,000 in just one year. Parents and teachers have observed that children are more eager to attend school, are more active, and show improved concentration. Health experts emphasize the critical role of good nutrition in early childhood for development and immunity, underscoring the program as a vital investment in the future.
To ensure its long-term sustainability, the County Assembly is reviewing an ECDE Bill to legally mandate the feeding program in both public and private centers. Furthermore, the initiative stimulates the local economy by sourcing ingredients like porridge flour and eggs from local millers and women-led farms.
Globally recognized for reducing dropouts and enhancing academic performance, Kiambu’s program stands out for its integrated approach. Beyond meals, the administration is also improving learning environments by constructing new ECDE centers and planning to hire and better compensate more ECDE teachers. Governor Wamatangi stresses that the program is comprehensive, aiming to provide every child in Kiambu with a strong foundation for success.