The Departmental Committee on Education is seeking answers regarding the lack of funding of the School Feeding Programme under the State Department of Basic Education. 

The Committee led by Chairperson, Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet) acknowledged the importance of the initiative aimed at improving student nutrition and attendance saying the programme has kept children in school.

."The School Feeding Programme has kept our children in school. How can it not be funded?" Hon. Melly asked. 

Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr.  Bellio Kipsang’ confirmed that the School Feeding Program was not funded. 

“The School Feeding Programme has not been funded for the period under review. We seek the support of this Committee to reinstate Kshs.4.9 billion that had been allocated,” PS Kipsang’ said.

 In addition, Members raised concerns about a net decrease of Kshs.5.3 billion compared to the 2024 Budget Policy Statement. This includes significant reductions in allocations for Free Primary Education, Free Junior Secondary Education, and Free Day Secondary Education.  

In the presentation made by Dr. Kipsang’, Members noted zero allocations to four critical agencies within the Education sector including; the Science Equipment Production Unit (SEPU), National Council for Nomadic Education (NACONEK), and Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (CEMASTEA).

 During the meeting, Members demanded justification for the Ministry's spending priorities. The Committee requested for details on the Ministry's implementation of the school feeding programme including special needs schools and integrated schools.

 The Education Committee is expected to meet with  the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, the State Department for Higher Education and the Teachers Service Commission on Budget Estimates FY 2024/25 and Supplementary Estimates II 2023/24, today, Wednesday, May 15, 2024.