Changing Winds; The Evolving Role of Government in School Lunch

The role of government has been that of a partner for the longest time, collaborating with the World Food Program. This was in efforts to support children mostly in ASAL regions and parts of Nairobi City. This phase transitioned in 2009 when the WFP handed over the program to the Kenyan government.

However, with the county government system in place, the country has witnessed county-based school feeding programs by several players. NGOs have put efforts into funding various projects toward SF programs. Long-term projects include the now widespread F4Education and Kenya Kids Can program.

The last ten years have seen the rise of the F4E organization secure political support from legislators through parliamentary involvement securing goodwill. The organization has also put forward national and global advocacy efforts drawing support.

The Hon. Governor Sakaja, while vying for the seat of Nairobi County, promised to feed children once elected and proved the link to establishing a new role for government. Nairobi County set out to establish a feeding program in collaboration with the F4E. The move received President William Ruto's support.

The county has had to overcome a challenge on its mandate to have the program as a section within the education system questioned its role overlapping with the national government’s. Through the MoU signed with the national government's education ministry, the county proceeded on. The new government agreed to finance the program under F4E for Dishi na County.

The partnership had grown between the national government, county government, F4E, and parents. Other counties have since partnered with F4E, some aiming for the ECD level programs.

The role of county and national government needs to evolve further for the school lunch program to be spread across the country. The former senator turned governor for Nairobi has hinted at creating a governance structure to establish the feeding program further. Therefore, time will tell on the progress of this effort.

In conclusion, the government's role has evolved, having an active role in the program. The national government has maintained its role as a collaborator, funder, and mandate holder in school feeding programs for public primary schools. On the other hand, the county government is a policy implementer(ECDE), an organizer, and a collaborator for the operations, funding, and legislation to ensure the smooth running of the program in that arrangement.