KENYA – Kenyan, Trans Nzoia Governor, George Natembeya has relaunched a school milk feeding programme aimed at benefiting over 43,000 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners.
A report by the county government indicated that Sh70 million has been allocated to finance the Ukombozi School Milk initiative, which will provide milk to learners twice a week.
Speaking during the launch, Natembeya described education as the cornerstone of civilisation and development.
He emphasised that the programme goes beyond providing milk, saying it is an investment in the health and well-being of the county’s youngest learners.
According to him, the initiative is designed to enhance both academic performance and physical growth. The first consignment of milk has already been delivered following a partnership with New Kenya Cooperative Creameries to ensure a consistent supply.
Beyond the feeding programme, Natembeya reported that his administration has made progress in improving school infrastructure.
According to county records, 122 classrooms, 61 offices, and 28 ablution blocks have been constructed for ECDE learners.
An additional 28 twin classrooms are also under construction. In vocational training, a budgetary allocation of Sh45 million has been set aside for tuition, increasing financial support for trainees from Sh2,000 to Sh13,000 each.
A report by the county education department further highlighted a partnership with the Dutch donor group, Tools to Work, which has supplied tools worth more than Sh10 million to vocational training centres.
Natembeya stated that these tools are modern and high-quality, ensuring that students are well-equipped to compete in a rapidly evolving job market. He encouraged parents to consider vocational training as a viable pathway for their children’s future.
During the launch, Natembeya also announced a Sh36.2 million bursary disbursement targeting 7,191 bright but needy students in secondary schools, universities, and tertiary institutions.
He reiterated his commitment to making education accessible to all children in the county, stating that no student should be left behind due to financial constraints.
In addition to education, the event also served as a platform to address broader development initiatives. According to county plans, a collaboration with Kibabii University is in progress to establish a county university, a move that Natembeya termed a milestone for higher education in Trans Nzoia.
Other initiatives reported include Fukuza Njaa and Nawiri, which seek to uplift thousands of households through food security programmes and poverty reduction strategies.
Environmental conservation was also a key focus, with the governor outlining plans to plant 11 million trees and introduce alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping to protect the Cherangany and Mt Elgon water towers.
He urged residents to take part in conservation efforts, stressing the link between environmental sustainability, access to clean water, and food production.
Natembeya reiterated that education, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability are interconnected pillars of development, calling on all stakeholders to support the county’s efforts in building a brighter future.
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