Published on February 14, 2025 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 1 year by Kariuki Mwangi
Nairobi, 14th February 2025: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja today led the City County of Nairobi administration in marking Valentine’s Day by visiting public primary schools under the Dishi Na County feeding program.
On Friday, February 14, the Governor visited the city’s public primary schools starting with Aga Khan Primary under the Dishi na County program to serve and share a meal with learners.
“This is a dream come true. I have always wanted to see children in school have a meal,as a senator then i realized that one in four children missed classes due to a lack of food. I promised that once I became Governor, that would be a thing of the past and now it’s a reality. I want to celebrate that this Valentine.” Sakaja confirmed
County officials, including First Lady H.E. Beatrice Sakaja and Health CEC Suzanne Silantoi, served meals to students, emphasizing the county’s commitment to ending child hunger and improving academic performance.
Launched in August 2023, Dishi Na County now operates 17 central kitchens, serving over 310,000 learners in public schools and ECDE centers. Meals cost Ksh. 5, with provisions for those unable to pay. Governor Sakaja announced plans to extend the program to informal schools.
Governor Sakaja encouraged more individuals and organizations to visit schools and witness the impact of the feeding program, which has transformed public education in Nairobi.
“Visit one of Nairobi’s public schools and see for yourself how happy learners are to receive a nutritious hot meal every day for just five shillings,” he said.
Governor Sakaja says Upon assuming power, he tasked contractors with building 10 central kitchens within his first 100 days in 2022–2023 a target that was successfully met. In 2024, an additional seven kitchens were constructed, bringing the total to 17, covering all of Nairobi’s sub-counties.
Currently, Dishi na County provides meals to over 310,000 learners in 210 public primary schools across the city. The initiative, run in partnership with the Food for Education Foundation, operates a Tap to Eat system, where meals cost only Ksh 5 per child. For those unable to pay, arrangements are made to ensure that no child is left out.
“This is just the beginning. No child in Nairobi should go hungry, and we are committed to ensuring every learner gets the support they need to stay in school,” he assured.
With the program’s success, Governor Sakaja now aims to extend the initiative to informal schools, ensuring that even the most vulnerable children receive daily nutritious meals.
