Published on March 14, 2025 by Kenn Okaka
Last Updated on 1 year by Kenn Okaka
By Kenn Okaka, Media and Communications Strategist
In an astonishing display of misplaced priorities, Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonny Khalwale took to the Senate floor to lambast Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for implementing the Dishi na County school feeding program. According to Khalwale, feeding school-going children in Nairobi is not a priority—an argument that not only misses the mark but also exposes his glaring disconnect from the real struggles of urban poverty.
Dishi na County: A Game-Changer in Education
The Dishi na County initiative has been nothing short of transformative. Launched under Sakaja’s administration, the program currently provides nutritious hot meals to over 310,000 pupils in public primary schools in Nairobi at an affordable cost of just Ksh 5 per meal. The impact? A remarkable improvement in school attendance, classroom concentration, and overall academic performance.
Yet, despite the overwhelming success of the program, clueless Senator Khalwale dismisses it, arguing that a governor’s role is to build infrastructure such as underpasses and overpasses—not to feed children. While infrastructure is undoubtedly crucial, Khalwale’s narrow view ignores the undeniable link between education, nutrition, and socio-economic development. Without proper nutrition, children struggle to learn, and without education, our future workforce is at risk.
Why Khalwale’s Argument Falls Flat
Senator Khalwale’s remarks are not just tone-deaf; they are devoid of foresight. His stance ignores the critical role of social development in governance. If a child is too hungry to focus in class, what use is a newly built road to them? If thousands of children drop out due to hunger, how does that propel the country forward?
The program’s impact is already evident—school attendance rates are on the rise, dropout rates are decreasing, and the academic performance of Nairobi’s public school pupils is steadily improving. These are tangible results that Khalwale conveniently overlooked in his tirade against Sakaja.
Moreover, Dishi na County is not just about meals—it is also about creating equal opportunities. The majority of beneficiaries are from Nairobi’s low-class and informal settlements, where poverty is rampant. For many of these children, the lunch they receive through this program might be the only proper meal they get all day.
The Bigger Picture: Investing in the Future
Education experts widely agree that proper nutrition is directly linked to better cognitive development, academic success, and future economic stability. By ensuring that children are fed in school, Governor Sakaja is not just feeding stomachs—he is feeding minds and shaping futures.
On the other hand, Senator Khalwale, who has been in politics for decades as both MP for Ikolomani and Senator for Kakamega, has no notable poverty alleviation program to his name. His track record shows little to no commitment to lifting the underprivileged, making his criticism of Sakaja’s impactful initiative both ironic and unwarranted.
A Program Beyond Borders
The success of Dishi na County has not only been recognized locally but has also attracted international acclaim. Other counties and even countries are looking at Nairobi as a model for sustainable school feeding programs. This should be a moment of pride, not unnecessary political bickering.
Final Thoughts
Governance is not only just about brick-and-mortar projects; it is also about investing in human capital. Governor Sakaja has chosen to also prioritize the welfare of children, ensuring they have a fair shot at a brighter future. Senator Khalwale’s outdated approach to leadership—one that prioritizes and focuses only on infrastructure over people—belongs to the past. It is time for leaders to understand that true development is holistic, and Dishi na County is a perfect example of progress that puts people first.
Instead of dismissing this program, Khalwale should take notes. Because when we talk about real change, real impact, and real leadership—Dishi na County delivers.
Kenn Okaka is a media and communications strategist
