Prioritizing School Feeding Programs To Secure Kenyan Future

Education is often seen as the greatest equalizer, offering children in marginalized communities a pathway out of poverty. However, for millions of school-going children, this promise remains unfulfilled not because of a lack of ambition, but because of hunger. The harsh reality is that an empty stomach hinders concentration, holistic development and even academic performance, making learning a tiresome battle.

In Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, Article 53 guarantees every child the right to education, while Article 43 ensures the rights to food and healthcare. Despite these provisions, a silent crisis persists: food insecurity among children in underserved and marginalized communities. Education remains the primary avenue for escaping the cycles of poverty prevalent in these areas, but these cycles become unbreakable when hunger prevails. Can we truly expect children to focus on learning when their basic nutritional needs are unmet?

The 2022 Global Hunger Index (GHI) highlights the alarming state of food insecurity in Kenya. According to the report, 34.5% of the population is undernourished, while 17.6% of children under five suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition.

School feeding programs have been highly  impacted. As of 2024, only 1.6 million children in Kenya’s arid and semi – arid regions receive school meals, leaving 8.4 million without access to daily nutrition in schools. Recognizing this gap, the Kenyan Parliament, in October 2022, directed the Ministry of Education to develop a national school feeding policy aimed at ensuring all students in basic education receive meals.

According to World Vision Kenya, The 2024 Global Hunger Index ranked Kenya 100th out of 127 countries with a score of 25.0, showing a serious level of hunger. About 18.7 million Kenyans,more than one-third of the population,do not have enough food. This is made worse by poor healthcare, gender inequalities, conflicts, bad roads, and lack of clean water and toilets.

These statistics are not just alarming, they are heartbreaking. In a country with a functioning government and institutions responsible something urgent needs to be done. They show the urgent need for a well-funded, sustainable interventions to combat hunger and improve education for children both in Kenya and beyond.

The link between food security and education is undeniable. Hunger not only affects physical health but also impairs cognitive development, emotional well-being, and academic performance. Malnutrition, exacerbated by factors such as climate change, conflicts, corruption, and poverty, continues to limit access to adequate food for many families and communities. While initiatives like Dishi Na County offer a glimmer of hope, their limited funding highlights the need for broader, more inclusive interventions.

To advance the rights to food, education, and healthcare for all children and adolescents, the following measures are important.

Prioritize school feeding programs in government budgets should be key. Recent budget deficits have led to cuts in school feeding programs. Programs like Dishi Na County should be expanded to support additional counties, including private and informal schools in marginalized areas. This expansion would not only increase school enrollment and retention but also provide a conducive learning environment. Moreover, schools can serve as platforms to educate children on topics like the right to food and food sovereignty, while offering hot, balanced, and nutritious meals.

Supporting community-led agroecology Initiatives to localize and strengthen the system. Partners should provide resources such as training, financial support, and market access to promote sustainable farming practices in schools and communities. This includes training on agroecological methods, financial assistance, and connecting local farmers to markets where they can supply produce to schools. Supporting local farmers with business skills and market connections will help build resilient and sustainable food systems. With these resources, marginalized communities can improve food security, reduce dependency, and foster long-term sustainability.

In addition, policies should ensure that every child and adolescent can access education free from hunger. This includes mandating that schools to provide nutritious meals, prioritizing food security in educational planning, and addressing barriers such as poverty that hinder access to education. Governments should ensure equitable distribution of resources to support local food systems and invest in community-based initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture. By integrating education and food security policies, we can create a holistic approach that empowers children and adolescents to learn effectively and supports their overall well-being.

Schools play a crucial role beyond impacting knowledge, they are safe havens where children can access balanced, nutritious meals while learning to better their future. They serve as platforms to instill values and empower the next generation. Ending hunger among school-going children requires dedication, bold policies, and collective action.

Let us act now to ensure that no child’s dreams are diminished by hunger. Hunger should not be a lesson, and empty stomachs have empty minds.

By Mercy Mugecha, Communications lead at Community Voices Network