Sakaja Denies Loss of Ksh 144M in School Feeding Programme, Issues Clarity on Funds

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja speaking during a meeting with senators on May 3, 2024.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja speaking during a meeting with senators on May 3, 2024.
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Johnson Sakaja

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has denied reports on the misappropriation of Ksh144 million in the school feeding programme which he initiated after assuming office.

Speaking on the matter during a meeting with senators on Friday, May 3, Sakaja maintained that no money had been lost in the programme.

He revealed that the Ksh144 million in question was a donation from the government of France.

Sakaja added that the money was also not remitted to the county government but to the organisation that was handling the food feeding programme.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressing Muslim faithful on April 6, 2024.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressing Muslim faithful on April 6, 2024.
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Johnson Sakaja

He details that the organisation has been running the programme on behalf of the Nairobi county government and other counties such as Mombasa and Murang'a.

"He further reaffirmed that the money in question has been used for food subsidy to cushion 25,000  learners who cannot afford the 5 shillings required per child.

"The Governor further explained that the Dishi na County program in Nairobi produces 184,000 meals per day against an enrollment of 360,000 children which means more than half of the children have access to hot, nutritious meals,"  read the statement in part

According to Sakaja, the programme was being politicised with reports on the misappropriation of funds aimed at tarnishing his name.

He added that the politicisation of the programme would be costly for the thousands of students who have been benefiting in recent days.

“Let us not politicise the Dishi na County school feeding program. This program continues to improve the nutritional status of the children and also encourages students to attend school leading to an increase in enrollment, performance, and transition to higher levels of education,” he noted at the meeting.

Further, Sakaja detailed that there were still plans to construct seven kitchens in other constituencies.

President William Ruto, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris during the launch of 'Dishi na County' programme.
President William Ruto, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris during the launch of 'Dishi na County' programme.
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Johnson Sakaja