KDB partners to launch national school milk program in Migori County

KENYA – The Kenya Dairy Board and the Meru Central Dairy have officially launched the National School Milk Program pilot project at Bondo Kosiemo Primary School in Nyatike Constituency, Kenyan Migori County,

The launch of the program, officiated by the Kenyan First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, marked a significant step toward improving children’s nutrition and supporting the dairy industry. 

The pilot project will provide learners in five counties with a packet of milk twice a week for an entire year. 

In Migori County alone, 1,400 students are set to benefit. The initiative also received a boost from Mount Kenya Milk Meru Dairy CEO Kenneth Gitonga, who donated 44,100 packets of milk to support the cause. 

The First Lady emphasized the importance of education and nutrition, urging Members of Parliament nationwide to allocate sufficient budgets for a broader National School Meals Program that includes milk provision.

Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke praised the First Lady’s Feed One End Hunger initiative, describing it as a vital intervention for addressing child malnutrition. 

He noted that the program would not only benefit students but also stimulate the dairy industry by increasing milk demand and encouraging investment across the dairy value chain. 

Similarly, Kenya Dairy Board Managing Director Margaret Kibogy lauded the project, stating, “This is an opportunity for dairy farmers and processors to contribute to a healthier nation while improving their livelihoods.”

Mama Rachel Ruto, speaking at the launch, said, “Today, we take a historic step toward ensuring every child’s potential is nurtured through proper nutrition.” 

Her words resonated with the gathered crowd, which included Social Services Principal Secretary Joseph Motari, Migori County MP Mohammed Fatuma Zainab, and Nyatike MP Tom Odege. 

The program also extended to Isibania Primary School, where similar celebrations underscored the initiative’s reach within the county.

According to a report by the Kenya Dairy Board, the school milk program aims to combat malnutrition among children while fostering a culture of dairy consumption. 

This, in turn, supports the livelihoods of millions of smallholder dairy farmers across Kenya. 

Margaret Kibogy added, “We are building a healthier future for our children and a stronger dairy industry for our farmers.”

The launch was met with optimism from local leaders and partners, who see the pilot as a model for a potential nationwide rollout. 

With education and nutrition at its core, the program reflects a collective dedication to improving the well-being of Kenya’s youth while driving economic growth in rural communities. 

As the pilot progresses, its impact on both students and the dairy sector will be closely monitored.

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