Kujali Feeding Programmes

In Kenya, a considerable number of students face the formidable challenge of attending school on an empty stomach, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies. Recognising this predicament, Kenya Children’s Centres (KCC) has embarked on a comprehensive programme designed not only to address the immediate nutritional needs but also to instigate enduring positive changes in the lives of over 1500 children who would otherwise go hungry.

The primary objective of KCC’s school feeding program is to break the cycle of hunger, thereby fostering improved concentration and heightened engagement in learning among the beneficiaries.  KCC ensures that these students receive nutritious meals daily, providing them with the necessary sustenance to focus in the classroom and actively participate in the educational process.

KCC collaborates with primary schools, catering to students up to the age of 14, situated in economically challenged communities characterised by high unemployment rates, inadequate government funding, and deteriorating school infrastructure. Despite these adversities, these schools are staffed with dedicated teachers who demonstrate a genuine commitment to their communities, delivering commendable academic outcomes with limited resources.

Typical families in these communities are living in conditions marked by one-room, scrap-material huts devoid of furniture and possessions. Often grappling with unemployment or low-wage intermittent casual employment, these families find it challenging to provide a daily meal. The children, in compromised health, undertake substantial journeys to school, relying on donated books and uniforms.

We started a pilot scheme in July 2019 at Kithiriti Primary School near Kirinyaga. KCC assessed needs and collaborated with the school’s administration to develop a plan. Local workers were funded to construct a basic kitchen, a cook was employed, and cooking utensils were supplied, marking the inception of a transformative initiative.

Building on the success of the pilot, KCC now funds eight feeding programmes across Kirinyaga and Kiambu Counties, each equipped with dedicated kitchens, cooking equipment, and plates supplied by us. The achievements are remarkable, with eleven cooks producing over 315,000 meals a year for over 2,000 children.  The meals consist of locally sourced maize, beans, and vegetables. As well as fortifying the physical and cognitive well-being of the children, these meals contribute to the sustainability of local markets, establishing a symbiotic relationship with regional suppliers.

To ensure that the school feeding programme is having an impact on the children, we use BMI to track improvement in weight, as well as feedback from the head teachers to confirm improvement in academic achievement and behaviour.

Noteworthy is the cost-effectiveness of this initiative, with an expenditure of a mere 17p per child per day. This is not just a hot meal – it is an investment in the future of these vulnerable children.