Protesters opposing the proposed elimination of the school feeding program.
In response to the government’s decision to discontinue the school food program in Asal and informal settlements, activists have vowed to stage protests.
The lack of funding for the program in the upcoming fiscal year from the National Treasury, according to Janet Ouko, Executive Director of the Tunza Mtoto Coalition, is a serious concern.
She declared, “We are planning protests to defend the program because this is not acceptable.”
Ouko advised the administration against reversing successful programs.
All feeding programs for marginalized areas including Asal have been in place since 1980. There is research to support these focused initiatives,” the speaker stated.
“Denying those children food will seriously affect their existence in schools and education.”
Relocating the program to a different ministry, according to Ouko, will likewise fail.
She charged that the present administration, which began with capitation, is fixated on reducing funds for education.
Hassan Farah, the chair of North Eastern Kepsha, stated that the plan is equivalent to closing the schools.
“The feeding program currently draws and keeps the nomadic child in school.” If there is no lunch, a lot of kids in Asal communities won’t go to school, he claimed.
According to Silas Obuhatsa, chair of the National Parents Association, the proposal will impact the 100% changeover.
He claimed that some parents may drop out as a result of the advice to care for their kids on their own.
Children who drop out of school are exposed to both cultural and societal vices, including early marriage and drug misuse.
Obuhatsa pleaded with the authorities to keep the feeding program and reevaluate the idea.
“The Ministry of Education, which is in charge of all school operations, should continue to oversee the program,” he stated.
Before discontinuing the initiative, the government should have notified parents and other relevant parties, according to Obuhatsa.
Akelo Missori, secretary general of Kuppet, stated that Kenyans are currently seeing the largest reduction in social spending in history.
He criticized the administration for raising university tuition, holding up the disbursement of Helb loans, and eliminating the EduAfya health insurance program.
In addition, he charged that little state funding was being sent to schools.
The elimination of the food program, the most recent in a string of government austerity measures that disadvantage Kenyans, especially those in Asal areas and informal settlements, is “the most disheartening,” according to Missori.
The Sh4.9 billion allotted for the feeding program in the most recent fiscal year proved to be insufficient.
PS Belio Kipsang, Basic Education, requested an extra Sh1 billion for the program’s supplemental budget.
Protesters opposing the proposed elimination of the school feeding program.
More Teachers Updates
Follow Us on Telegram.