Nyando: More than 11,000 learners in 24 public day schools across Nyando Constituency, Kisumu County, are set to benefit from a free school feeding and emergency education support programme. Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Hanna Cheptumo, announced the initiative, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable learners by providing emergency food assistance to all pupils in public day schools. According to Kenya News Agency, during the launch at Lela Mixed Secondary School, Cheptumo highlighted the programme's aim to ensure no child attends school hungry. She reiterated the government's dedication to child protection and inclusive education, especially in light of natural disasters like floods and droughts, which have contributed to hunger, ill-health, school absenteeism, dropouts, child labour, and early marriages in the region. A recent assessment indicated a nine per cent decline in student enrolment in Nyando Sub-County, primarily due to flood-related disru ptions, displacement, and prolonged absenteeism. Cheptumo noted the emotional distress and challenges faced by learners, stressing that a hungry, displaced, or traumatized child cannot learn effectively and is at risk of exploitation. To address these issues, the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services plans to implement mentorship and psychosocial support programmes to help learners overcome trauma and stay motivated. The initiative will also provide dignity kits for both girls and boys, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. The national government, through the State Department for Children Services, the State Department for Special Programmes, and the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, has donated substantial relief supplies to schools. This includes 723 bags of maize, 1,370 bags of beans, 56 bags of green grams, 153 jerrycans of cooking oil, and 1,200 bags of rice. Additional items distributed include mentorship books, exercise books, pens, mattresses, blankets, bar soap, sanitary t owels, and dignity kits for boys. Principal Secretary for Children Services, Carren Ageng'o, emphasized the hardships learners face, particularly during school reopening. She noted that the food relief initiative is crucial for achieving the government's goal of a 100 per cent transition from Junior Secondary to Senior Secondary school. Ageng'o highlighted the challenges of poverty and food insecurity that affect attendance and academic performance. Ageng'o also acknowledged the impact of quelea birds on rice farms in Nyando, leading to food shortages for many households. She conveyed President William Ruto's commitment to ensuring food access for schools and communities affected by these challenges. The event was attended by Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello, Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, Irene Mureithi, along with other national and county government officials.