Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Friday launched free milk for Early Childhood Development Education centres(ECDE) in Nairobi.
The program is set begin next week with children in the ECDE centres to receive free milk twice a week.
The Nairobi Governor stated that the program will play a very important role in keeping children in school.
Sonko unveiled the program courtesy of his administration and Brookside dairy limited who have entered into a partnership to offer the free milk program.
“I have been informed of the excitement this project has brought to the children. More than 200 children have re-enrolled to school since September 7, when we began distributing the milk. This free milk project not only improves child nutrition and keeps hunger away; it also puts a smile on every child’s face,’’ remarked Sonko
Speaking at the same event, Brookside Dairy Group Chief Operating Officer Faiz Taib remarked the School Milk Program reinforces the company’s commitment to building a healthier generation.
“We are therefore confident that the Brookside Dairy Free School Milk Programme will increase both school attendance and retention levels, both which are vital for the realization of the country’s national goals of education,” stated Taib.
In attendance to the event was Nairobi County Education CEC Janet Ouko, who stated her office would ensure the program is successful by coordinating the distribution of the free milk to all the 229 public ECDE centers within Nairobi County.
The event was also attended by Kenya Dairy Board CEO Margaret Kibogy who hailed the initiative saying it would address the nutritional challenges facing children especially in informal settlements.
Sonko at the same time asserted that his administration will contract a security firm to provide at least four guards in every ECDE center to ensure maximum security for the children.
