Nakuru County Governor H.E. Susan Kihika officially launched a school feeding programme at Osembo Comprehensive School in Bahati Ward, Bahati Sub-county, aimed at enhancing learning outcomes and improving pupil retention. The initiative, implemented by Feeding Futures in partnership with the Nakuru County Government, provides sustainable meals to learners in public schools, ensuring consistent nutrition and supporting overall educational development.
The Governor was joined by Bahati Member of Parliament, Hon. Irene Njoki, during the launch. Governor Kihika commended Feeding Futures, chaired by Ms. Vanessa Bennett, for promoting dignity among learners, addressing food deprivation, and instilling hope. She highlighted that the organisation also supports Sidai Primary School in Subukia and Mukinyai Primary School in Molo, demonstrating a commitment to reaching learners across Nakuru County.
The county government has formalized its partnership with Feeding Futures through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding, focused on expanding school feeding programmes to improve enrollment, retention, and learning outcomes. Governor Kihika emphasized the importance of collaboration to enhance nutritional diversity, expand kitchen infrastructure, and promote energy-efficient cooking technologies.
The school feeding initiative complements Nakuru County’s flagship Uji Programme, which is implemented in all 1,066 public ECDE centres and benefits 65,951 learners. In Bahati Sub-county alone, 2,445 learners from 46 ECDE centres are currently receiving nutritious meals through the programme. To support these efforts, the county has constructed 10 school kitchens, with five more under construction, ensuring that meal preparation facilities meet growing demand and promote efficiency.
Ms. Vanessa Bennett acknowledged the county government’s role in providing uji to all ECDE learners and reaffirmed Feeding Futures’ commitment to sustainable, community-driven school feeding initiatives. She noted that partnerships between county authorities and non-governmental organisations play a key role in delivering reliable nutrition and fostering an environment conducive to learning.
Governor Kihika also highlighted ongoing investments in Early Childhood Education, including the construction and furnishing of classrooms, installation of outdoor play equipment, fencing, toilets, and water tanks. Currently, 121 ECDE projects are underway across Nakuru County, ensuring learners access safe, functional, and well-resourced learning environments.
In addition to education-focused initiatives, the Governor outlined development projects in Bahati Ward spanning water, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and trade sectors. As part of efforts to improve water access, she pledged to drill a borehole at Osembo Comprehensive School, ensuring a clean and reliable water supply for learners and the surrounding community.
Other officials present during the launch included Area MCA Grace Mwathi, County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura, Deputy County Secretary Newton Mwaura, Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Ketyenya, Education CECM Zipporah Ngugi, Office of the Governor Chief Officer Martin Kagai, as well as teachers, students, and parents.
The school feeding programme at Osembo Comprehensive School reinforces Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to improving access to quality education, addressing learner needs, and supporting community development. Through partnerships, strategic investments, and focused interventions, the county government is ensuring that learners in Bahati and across Nakuru County receive nutrition and support that enhance their educational outcomes and overall well-being.
This initiative forms part of the broader agenda of Governor Kihika to align county programmes with sustainable education, nutrition, and community empowerment, ensuring long-term impact for learners and their families.