Kenya pushes for national school milk program to boost nutrition, economy

KENYA –  The Kenya Dairy Board and 40 milk processors recently convened to discuss the growing advocacy for a national school milk program aimed at improving child nutrition and supporting the country’s economy. 

The meeting, held in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the potential revival of a program reminiscent of the iconic Maziwa ya Nyayo initiative from decades past.

Reported by sources present at the meeting, the dairy processors pledged their support for the initiative, citing its dual benefits of enhancing nutritional outcomes for schoolchildren and bolstering the dairy industry. 

The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, who has been a vocal advocate for the program through her Feed One End Hunger initiative, emphasized its historical significance. 

“Many of us recall the impact of the Maziwa ya Nyayo program, a national school initiative that supplied children in public schools with milk, boosting nutrition and school attendance. We seek to build upon that legacy,” she said.

According to the First Lady, the program aims to ensure every child in public primary schools receives milk as part of their regular diet. 

A pilot phase has already been launched in Migori and Nakuru counties, where children will receive a packet of milk twice a week for one year. 

The initiative has garnered widespread support, including from the Ministry of Health.

 Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa praised the timing of the program, noting that one in five Kenyan children currently faces malnutrition. 

“This program comes at the right time, and we will provide technical support to align it with existing health policies,” Dr. Barasa stated.

A report by the International Dairy Federation also commended Kenya’s efforts. CEO Lauren Rycken pointed out that over 210 million children globally benefit from similar school milk initiatives, underscoring the program’s potential impact. 

The First Lady further highlighted the dairy sector’s economic importance, noting that it contributes 4.5% to Kenya’s GDP and sustains the livelihoods of over one million smallholder farmers. 

The industry directly employs more than 750,000 people while indirectly supporting another 500,000.

The discussions come amid growing concerns over child nutrition and economic resilience in rural areas, where dairy farming is a key income source. 

With the pilot program underway, stakeholders are optimistic about scaling it nationwide. 

The Kenya Dairy Board and milk processors are expected to collaborate closely with the government to finalize plans, ensuring the initiative delivers on its promise of healthier children and a stronger economy.