Government revives Kes70m Ukombozi school milk programme

KENYA – Kenyan Governor George Natembeya has announced the revival of the Ukombozi School Milk Feeding Programme, which is set to resume in January 2025 when schools reopen for the first term.

The programme, initially launched to improve nutrition among early childhood development education (ECDE) learners, faced significant challenges that led to its suspension earlier this year.

According to Natembeya, the initial contractor failed to meet the county’s demand, which ultimately led to the programme’s termination.

The supplier managed to deliver milk worth Kes 8.1 million but was unable to fulfill the full requirements. As reported by the governor, the supplier received a payment of Kes 6.7 million and awaits a balance of Kes 1.4 million.

However, due to their limited capacity, the county government decided to seek a new partner better equipped to handle the distribution process.

The programme, allocated a budget of Kes 70 million for the 2023/24 financial year, was further strained by funding shortfalls. Only Kes 8.1 million of the budget was utilized, as the county did not receive its full allocation from the exchequer by the financial year’s end.

Natembeya noted that this issue, coupled with a local revenue deficit of over Kes 200 million, forced the county to rebudget for the programme in the current financial cycle.

In response to these challenges, the county government has now partnered with the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC) for milk distribution.

“We have confidence in New KCC’s capacity to meet the demand and deliver quality milk to our ECDE centers,” Natembeya stated.

He expressed optimism that this partnership would ensure reliable and efficient service delivery, benefiting young learners across Trans Nzoia County.

The revamped programme forms part of a broader county initiative to enhance early childhood education and address nutritional needs.

Natembeya recently met with the Senate Committee on Education, chaired by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, to discuss these efforts.

The committee praised the county’s progressive policies, particularly the decision to place all ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.

“We endeavor to ensure that the Department of Education is adequately funded to provide our children with the best education in our ECDE centers and vocational training institutes,” Natembeya affirmed.

The governor also outlined plans to improve the teacher-to-pupil ratio and ensure adequate learning materials in ECDE centers.

These efforts are expected to bolster the overall quality of education and create a more supportive environment for early learners.

Local residents have expressed optimism about the programme’s return.

Hellen Nyaboke, a parent at Chetoto Primary School, highlighted its importance, stating, “We are looking forward to the reintroduction of the milk programme since it was instrumental in keeping learners healthy and promoted school retention.”