20/12/2022
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(Issued under Article 35 (3) of the Constitution
Food production for schools
Nairobi Ministry of Education December 20, 2022
The Government wants to boost food production in 26 Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) areas with a view to improving enrollment, retention and performance of learners in schools.
The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mr. Mithika Linturi said his Ministry will bring together development partners to provide water and other related infrastructure, through irrigation, to improve food production in the areas.
Mr. Linturi made the remarks when he met the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mr. Ezekiel Machogu at Jogoo House offices today.
Present during the meeting were Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, his University Education and Research and Vocational and Technical Training Counterparts, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala and Dr. Esther Muhoria, respectively.
Mr. Machogu said the government is feeding some 2.5million learners in Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) counties as well as informal settlements in urban areas in the Home-Grown Schools Meals Programme (HGSMP).
He said the learners are spread in 10 ASAL Counties, 16 semi—arid counties and informal urban settlements in 10 counties.
He, however, said boosting local food production in the targeted regions will greatly improve and sustain enrollment, retention and performance of learners.
Mr. Linturi said support by Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and other development partners would provide irrigation systems and put people into farming and ensure more children get into and remain in schools.
Ends