Kenyan President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce a free school meals programme for learners in all 47 counties, with implementation set for the first term of the 2027 school calendar. The programme aims to strengthen social safety nets for vulnerable households and will target learners in lower primary, upper primary, and junior secondary schools. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector and the lives of many students.
The announcement was made by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on behalf of the President at the Fourth Kenya Social Protection Conference held at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete. Mutua emphasized that fragmented school-feeding approaches have limited impact and sustainability, prompting the government's commitment to a progressive national schools needs programme. The government is keen on ensuring that the programme is well-planned and executed.
President Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to work with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the National Treasury, and other stakeholders to develop policy, financing, governance, and operational frameworks before the early 2027 launch. This will ensure that the programme is well-structured and effective in achieving its goals. The government is also seeking to expand school-feeding coverage from 2.6 million learners to 10 million by 2030.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale noted that the programme aligns with Kenya's broader goal of expanding school-feeding coverage. The expanded feeding model will source produce from local smallholders, circulating public funds within domestic agricultural markets. This move is expected to boost the local economy and support small-scale farmers.
In addition to the school meals programme, President Ruto outlined plans to capitalize a dedicated Social Protection Fund to cushion citizens against climate shocks, disability, and economic distress, targeting 2.5 million households. This fund will provide financial support to vulnerable households and help them cope with various challenges.
Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Motari revealed that monthly disbursements under the Inua Jamii cash-transfer programme now total Sh3.5 billion, with beneficiaries rising from 1.2 million to 1.7 million. Payments are increasingly being made via mobile money platforms, making it easier for beneficiaries to access their funds.
The government has prioritized safety-net payments, with Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua highlighting that executive salaries, including the President's, are paid only after Inua Jamii recipients receive their allocations. This demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Key points
- President Ruto's free school meals programme will target learners in all 47 counties, starting in the first term of the 2027 school calendar.
- The programme aims to expand school-feeding coverage from 2.6 million learners to 10 million by 2030.
- The government has also outlined plans to capitalize a dedicated Social Protection Fund to support vulnerable households.
