Wajir: Wajir county has launched an Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) school feeding programme aimed at improving access to education and enhancing the nutritional status of pre-primary school children. Speaking during the launch held in Wajir town on Tuesday, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said the initiative targets over 28,000 learners in 362 ECDE centres across the county's 14 sub-counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Abdullahi explained that the programme consists of a daily serving of fortified corn-soya blend (CSB) porridge. This initiative is designed to support both physical and cognitive development among children in their formative years. The Governor emphasized that the programme represents a renewed commitment to improving the health, education, and future prospects of young learners.
Governor Abdullahi noted that the ECDE feeding initiative was first introduced in 2016 following the devolution of the School Meals Programme from the World Food Programme (WFP) to county governments. Since the programme's inception, enrolment in ECDE centres in Wajir has significantly increased, rising from 16,500 in 2016 to 28,686 in 2025.
He called for sustained support to ensure the continuity and expansion of the programme, terming it essential in improving attendance and retention in early childhood education. 'We must work collectively to secure the resources required to strengthen and sustain this programme,' he stated.
The county leader reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring that no child misses school due to hunger. He urged parents, education stakeholders, and development partners to support the initiative to ensure its success and sustainability.