Introduction
In Nairobi, Mayor-turned-Governor Johnson Sakaja is championing a plan to extend the county’s flagship school feeding program, Dishi na County, to informal schools. The move signals a broader commitment to educational equity, ensuring that students in informal settlements access nutritious meals alongside their peers in formal institutions. Yet, budget constraints and infrastructural gaps threaten to slow the rollout.
What is Dishi na County?
Dishi na County is Nairobi’s high-profile school feeding initiative designed to provide daily meals to learners across selected public schools. It seeks to improve attendance, concentration, and overall academic performance by addressing one of the most persistent barriers to learning: hunger. The program has become a symbol of the county’s willingness to invest in early childhood and primary education, with the aim of long-term social and economic benefits.
Why extend to informal schools?
Informal schools—often located in densely populated informal settlements—play a vital role in delivering basic education to thousands who might otherwise be sidelined. Extending Dishi na County to these institutions would help ensure not only nutrition but also consistency in attendance and learning outcomes. For families grappling with high living costs, a guaranteed meal at school can be a lifeline that sustains enrollment and reduces dropout rates.
Budget and infrastructure challenges
Governor Sakaja acknowledged that extending the program faces two main hurdles: financing and infrastructure. The county’s budgetary constraints mean officials must balance Dishi na County with competing priorities such as healthcare, security, and transport. Additionally, informal schools often lack the kitchen facilities, storage, and reliable electricity needed to safely prepare and serve meals at scale. These gaps complicate procurement, food safety compliance, and distribution logistics.
Strategic approaches under consideration
Experts suggest several pragmatic steps to navigate the hurdles while keeping the promise intact:
- <strongPhased rollout: Start with a pilot in a limited number of informal learning centers to test logistics, costings, and community acceptance before a wider roll-out.
- <strongPublic-private partnerships: Leverage private sector logistics, dairy, grain suppliers, and local businesses to reduce costs and improve supply chain reliability.
- Community kitchens and disruptions: Explore modular, low-cost kitchen setups that can be scaled and relocated as settlements evolve.
- Nutritional standards and oversight: Establish clear meal plans, ensure food safety training for cooks, and implement routine monitoring to maintain quality.
Community engagement and impact
Any expansion would require robust community engagement. Parents, teachers, and local leaders must be part of the planning process to identify needs, align menus with cultural preferences, and foster accountability. If implemented thoughtfully, the program could improve not only nutrition but also school morale, enrollment rates, and community trust in local governance.
Implications for learners and families
For learners in informal settings, regular meals at school could translate into improved concentration, better performance on assessments, and a greater likelihood of completing the school year. Families may experience financial relief, particularly those juggling multiple livelihoods in the informal economy. The success of the initiative hinges on securing sustainable funding, reliable supply chains, and political will to keep the program insulated from short-term budget fluctuations.
Conclusion
Governor Sakaja’s ambition to extend Dishi na County to informal schools embodies a larger commitment to inclusive education in Nairobi. The road ahead is fraught with financial and logistical challenges, but with careful planning, phased implementation, and strong community involvement, the program could set a precedent for equitable school feeding across Kenya’s urban informal settlements.
