Kakamega: Food for Education (F4E) has inaugurated a new kitchen facility in Kakamega, aimed at providing daily meals to more than 14,000 children across 28 public primary schools, marking a significant expansion in their efforts to combat classroom hunger in Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, the opening of the Kakamega kitchen represents a strategic milestone for F4E, as Kakamega becomes the 10th county in Kenya where the organization has established operations. The initiative is part of a broader plan to reach at least 1 million children by 2027, addressing the critical lunchtime nutrition needs faced by students in public primary schools. Micheal Njiru, F4E Area Lead for Kisumu and Kakamega, emphasized the organization’s mission to eradicate classroom hunger and noted the positive reception and impact of the program on the local community.
The new kitchen not only serves as a meal production site but also creates significant employment opportunities for the local populace. According to Linet Ndungwa
, F4E Kakamega Kitchen Manager, the facility has employed 32 individuals as Tap to Eat School Managers, 61 as food servers, and 27 in various kitchen roles. The kitchen adheres to strict hygiene standards and provides a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins, prepared under rigorous safety protocols.
The meals, which include staples like rice, beans, and green grams, along with vegetables such as cabbages and carrots, are served during school days, ensuring that students receive nutritious food that supports their educational activities. Simon Sichenje, the Tap to Eat School Manager at Nyayo Tea Zone Primary School in Lurambi, highlighted the efficient system that allows students to access their meals through a tag-scanning process, which has been well received by both students and parents.
The program also features an innovative payment system where parents contribute a minimal fee through mobile transactions, which directly benefits their child’s meal account, promoting ease and
accountability. This initiative has not only improved the health and focus of students but also aided parents and teachers by providing ready-to-eat meals, thus saving time and enhancing the educational environment.
The deputy head teacher of Nyayo Tea Zone Primary School and parents in the community expressed their appreciation for the significant positive changes brought about by the F4E program. They noted improved student health, reduced absenteeism, and the convenience of not having to worry about their children’s lunch, allowing them to focus more on their academic and personal growth.