𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education questioned Ministry of Education officials over the status of Edu Afya Programme, School Feeding Programme and Low Cost Boarding Schools. 

 In a session chaired by the Vice Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Malulu Ijendi (Malava), Principal Secretary, State Department on Basic Education Dr. Bellio Kipsang, was asked questions regarding the termination of the Edu Afya programme, which provided health insurance to public secondary school students.

 In his submission, Dr. Kipsang assured the Committee that all students would now benefit from the Universal Healthcare Programme implemented under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.

 Hon. Daniel Nanok (Turkana West), raised concerns about students who were receiving treatment abroad under Edu Afya.

 In his response, Dr. Kipsang told Members that the Ministry had advised parents to seek alternative cover and facilitated the return of students who wished to come back to Kenya. 

Members also received updates on the School Meals Programme (SMP) whose budgetary allocation has steadily increased, reaching Kshs.4.9 billion in the 2023/2024 Financial Year.  

"The Government has pledged to further increase funding to reach four million learners by June 2024, with an ultimate goal of reaching 10 million learners by 2030," said Dr. Kipsang.  

On the Low-Cost Boarding Schools programme, Members sought details on the status of the programme.

 Members were informed that the low cost boarding schools target students in marginalized areas and those facing cultural challenges like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages. 

According to PS Kipsang, the programme is limited by a stagnant budget of Kshs.400 million over the past five years.

 The Committee noted that there is the need for increased funding to accommodate a growing number of students and expand the program to urban areas with vulnerable children.