Nairobi County has taken a major step toward securing the welfare and education of its youngest residents after approving a policy that guarantees daily meals for learners in public schools across the city.
The Nairobi City County School Feeding Policy, approved on Thursday, gives legal grounding to the Dishi na County programme, ensuring that schoolchildren continue to receive nutritious meals as part of their learning environment. County officials say the move strengthens equality in education while improving attendance and learning outcomes.
The programme has grown into one of the county’s most visible social initiatives, currently serving more than 316,000 learners every school day. Meals are provided in over 230 public primary schools and Early Childhood Development Education centres, supported by 17 central kitchens spread across the city.
Since its launch just over two years ago, the programme has delivered more than 50 million meals. Education officials report that the meals have helped increase enrollment, improve attendance, and keep learners focused in class.
As part of the Cabinet resolutions, the county will now move to draft a School Feeding Bill to give the programme full legal backing. Funds for school meals will also be protected in the upcoming county budget to ensure steady and predictable financing.
The Cabinet further approved the creation of a dedicated School Meals Unit to handle logistics, food safety and quality control. In addition, the programme will be expanded to cover at least 20 more schools in informal settlements by the next school term.
County officials also revealed plans to work with the national government on a shared funding model. As part of the expansion strategy, the number of kitchens is expected to grow from the current 17 to about 69, with the goal of reaching full coverage across Nairobi.
According to the county, the policy puts into action children’s constitutional rights to food and education. It also supports the local economy by sourcing supplies from small-scale farmers, vendors and other local suppliers.
Teachers and parents have reported visible improvements since the programme began. They say learners are healthier, more attentive in class, and that families facing financial strain have found relief from the cost of daily meals.
Governor Johnson Sakaja said the policy goes beyond food provision and speaks directly to the future of the city.
“A hungry child cannot learn. By securing school meals in law, we are securing the future workforce and leadership of this city.”
He emphasized that the programme is built on fairness and inclusion.
“Whether a child comes from an informal settlement or an affluent neighbourhood, they deserve the same chance to learn with dignity. No learner will be turned away due to inability to pay the token meal contribution.”
Sakaja also pointed to the wider economic impact of the initiative.
“Every plate we serve supports farmers, suppliers and workers. We are not just feeding children, we are strengthening families and building Nairobi’s human capital.”
City Hall views the approval of the policy as a key pillar of Nairobi’s wider development agenda, which also includes disaster readiness and river regeneration efforts. Officials say the aim is to build a city that is safer, cleaner and more inclusive, where opportunity begins in the classroom.
By embedding school feeding into law and budget planning, the county hopes to protect the programme from future uncertainty and ensure long-term stability. For thousands of families, the policy secures a service that has already become a daily lifeline for their children.
