Siaya County School feeding program targeting ECDE learners is successfully ongoing, with the more than 55,000 young learners constantly getting their fortified porridge everyday.
The program which aims to improve the nutrition of the young learners has been going on since January 2025.
According to Siaya County ECD coordinator Benter Jacobs, the fourth delivery of fortified flour for porridge that target ECD learners has kicked off in Ugenya.
“In a significant step toward improving child nutrition and early education, the County Government of Siaya has launched a fortified porridge flour distribution program benefiting thousands of (ECDE) students,” said Jacobs.
She further noted that the current consignment is expected to sustain the students for the whole term, offering a reliable food source that will contribute to better health outcomes and learning conditions.
“We have delivered 25,950 packets of fortified porridge flour that will sustain the uji program for 6 weeks,” she added.
Jacobs who is also the focal point person for the Nurturing Care and School feeding program led their staff in receiving the supplies this morning.
More than 50,000 ECD learners are benefitting from the programme with Gem sub-County having 8806 pupils, Ugenya and Ugunja having a total of 11345 pupils while Usonga, 12986 pupils.
“Bondo 9117 pupils and Rarieda have 8480 pupils benefitting from the nutritious fortified porridge,” said Jacobs.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the health and academic performance of young learners by ensuring they receive a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
“The administration of Governor James Orengo has taken the initiative to distribute fortified porridge flour to all ECDE centres in Siaya as a way of ensuring that school-going children receive nutritious meals,” Jacobs stated.
She highlighted several key benefits associated with the fortified porridge program, including improved student retention, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced overall well-being.
By addressing nutritional deficiencies, the program is expected to support cognitive development, boost immunity, and increase concentration levels among students, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes.
Studies have shown that well-nourished children perform better in school, making this intervention a strategic investment in the county’s future.
The County Government of Siaya has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring and evaluating the initiative to ensure its effectiveness in achieving long-term benefits for children’s health and education.
The Ugenya Community led by Ukwala Senior Chief, Michael Osodo lauded the program that is being spearheaded by Nyalore administration saying it has relieved parents from the burden of catering for breakfast.
The Headteacher of Sega Primary School, Omengo Martin, expressed gratitude for the programme, citing its impact on student attendance and concentration.
“We’ve witnessed an improved enrolment and attendance because learners are assured of a meal at school. It also helps them focus better in class,” he said.
“The initiative has increased enrolment, previously we had 70 pupils but now 129 pupils,”said Omengo adding “That is a 59 percent increment.”
Omengo added that hunger often affects learners’ ability to concentrate, with some skipping school entirely due to a lack of food. “This programme has sustained them and ultimately boosted their academic performance.”
Governor Orengo’s administration through the department of Education and Vocational Training, has remained committed to transforming the ECDE sector through infrastructural transformation and employment of teachers.
ECD teachers led by Rose Atieno Otieno (Ralak ECD), Petronila Agola Ochieng (Sega ECD) and Penina Awinja, appreciated the program and appealed to Nyalore administration to consider supporting the ECD centres with capitation that helps in payment of cooks and funfair activities.
“We appreciate the Nyalore administration for absorbing us on Permanent and Pensionable terms. We now appeal to the department of Education to consider equipping the ECD’s with chairs, tools for playing and other learning materials,” they said.
Nyambiro ECD teacher Carolyne Sadia has asked Nyalore administration to prioritize the construction of ECD classes at Nyambiro.
“We have 83 learners at Nyambiro School but we lack classes,” said Sadia.
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