State rolls out secondary school feeding programme in Busia

The government has rolled out a school feeding programme in secondary schools in Busia county, targeting day schools, with the first phase covering Busia subcounty.

The initiative aims to curb absenteeism, improve retention and boost academic performance.

At the launch at Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School in Busia, the government distributed 520 bags of beans and 600 bags of rice to beneficiary schools.

Economic Planning PS Bonface Makokha, who launched the programme, said it was meant to ensure no learner drops out because of hunger or financial hardship at home.

“Our goal is total student retention. Many learners stay at home after being sent away when parents cannot raise money. This programme will ensure regular attendance and better performance. We want 100 per cent attendance in all schools,” he said.

Makokha said the programme mainly targets day secondary schools, which are more prone to absenteeism, and selected special primary schools in the county.

He said 22 secondary schools in Busia subcounty have already benefited, with plans to extend the programme to other subcounties.

“We are determined to ensure schools in all subcounties benefit. We have also included special schools such as Busidibu, Mundika, Lwanya and Bugeng’i, all in Busia subcounty, to promote inclusivity and ensure no learner is left behind,” Makokha said.

He urged parents, school administrators and other stakeholders to support the initiative, saying education is a shared responsibility.

Makokha also said professionals from Busia have set up a supplementary education fund to complement government efforts.

“We have started with Sh1.5 million, but our target is to raise Sh20 million to support education in the county,” he said.

Busia county director of education Mary Oichoe said the programme would significantly cut absenteeism and urged principals to keep all learners in school throughout the term.

“Parents’ contributions support lunch programmes agreed with schools. Now the government has provided food, there should be no learners on the roads this term,” she said.

Oichoe said transition to Grade 10 in the county stands at 99 per cent.

“We are tracing the remaining one per cent to achieve 100 per cent transition in line with the President’s directive,” she said.

Busia subcounty deputy county commissioner Julias Maiyo praised local administrators for promoting school transition and urged parents to work with authorities to ensure all children are enrolled.

“We are carrying out follow-up exercises to meet government targets,” he said.

St Paul’s Busende Secondary School principal Patrick Barasa welcomed the programme, saying the food would ease pressure on schools and keep learners in class.

“We have struggled with food shortages. With this support, students will stay in school, and we urge the government to continue assisting,” he said.