Embu’s ECDE learners in 205 centres to be fed from next month

ECDE learners receive porridge through the Uji programme implemented by Embu county in partnership with Food 4 Education /ALICE WAITHERA

The Embu government will expand its free fortified porridge programme for Early Childhood Development Education to benefit thousands of learners.

The popular Uji programme was launched in May this year in a pilot programme for 99 ECDE centres. It is supported by 11 new modern central kitchens where the porridge is prepared before being distributed to schools.

The programme benefits more than 5,000 learners out of 9,000. With the new rollout, the programme will cover 205. The county plans to expand to another 106 centres.

To facilitate preparation, transportation and serving, the county has hired 18 cooks, 99 Uji champions and 29 boda boda riders. The champions come from the local community and serve food when it is delivered to schools.

The county has already begun recruiting 106 new Uji champions, seven cooks and 24 riders for the second phase of the programme.

Governor Cecily Mbarire said on Monday the programme was being expanded because many children were missing school due to hunger, while others were attending on empty stomachs. Hungry children cannot learn, they said.

“This is more than just a feeding programme,” Mbarire said. “It is an investment in our children’s health, education and future. No child in Embu should ever sit in class on an empty stomach.

“By ensuring they have a daily cup of Uji, we are boosting school attendance, improving learners’ concentration and laying a strong foundation for life-long success.”

The governor said clusters of neighbouring schools are supplied by one kitchen, making the programme cheaper and more efficient through economies of scale.

“The success of the pilot phase has prompted us to expand,” she said, adding the ultimate plan is to reach all 398 ECDE centres by 2026.

In the second phase, recruits start training next month by the Department of Education in partnership with Food 4 Education. Training will focus on safety, efficiency and consistency in the delivery of fortified porridge.

Education executive Monica Munyasia emphasised that training was crucial to ensure the programme’s sustainability.

“This programme requires precision, commitment and teamwork to succeed,” she said. “Our Uji champions and riders are the backbone, ensuring food is delivered on time and handled safely for the wellbeing of our children.”

Parents and teachers have welcomed the expansion, saying it not only keeps children in school but also empowers families through jobs created by the programme.

Public health experts emphasise the importance of adhering to strict food safety protocols and maintaining high nutritional standards. They warn that lapses could undermine children’s health and development.

Governor Mbarire said her administration was committed to continuing to invest in ECDE, saying the Uji programme is central to her vision of improving learning outcomes.