Mbeere south: About 200 public schools in the arid regions of Mbeere South and Mwea Sub-counties, located in Embu County, have received relief food supplied by the Government to alleviate the harsh impacts of prolonged drought on learners.
According to Kenya News Agency, the food distribution was spearheaded by Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. The initiative provided 2,800 bags of rice and beans to the schools, addressing the urgent need for food security in the area where families face challenges such as climate change, crop failure, and rising food prices.
During an address at Karaba Primary School, CS Ruku highlighted the Government's commitment to preventing school dropouts due to hunger. He noted that Mbeere South Constituency has experienced several seasons without harvests, significantly affecting both parents and children. The Government's intervention aims to support students' education by ensuring they have access to food.
CS Ruku emphasized that school feeding programmes are regarded as long-term investments in national development. By tackling hunger in schools, the Government hopes to enhance learners' concentration, academic performance, and attendance. Area MP Engineer Nebart Muriuki also remarked that the food distribution would help retain learners in class by minimizing hunger-related distractions.
In addition to the food relief, CS Ruku mentioned ongoing infrastructural developments in the area, such as the levelling and compacting of the PI-Machang'a Road, a project costing Sh100 million. This road improvement aims to alleviate transport challenges for farmers, traders, and schools, aligning with the Government's broader efforts to stimulate economic activity in rural areas.
CS Ruku encouraged the local community to support government initiatives to improve living standards, stressing that development is a collective effort requiring unity and cooperation. He reiterated that supporting the Government equates to supporting personal and communal growth and the future of local children.