Treasury Slashes Funds for School Feeding Program.
The fate of millions of children hangs in the balance as the National Treasury made a significant decision to withdraw Sh4.9 billion from the school feeding program’s budget, as indicated in the proposed budget estimates for the upcoming 2024/2025 financial year. This move has sent shockwaves through the education sector, raising concerns about the potential repercussions on food security among school children.
Shockwaves and Uncertainty: Impact of Funding Cuts on School Feeding Program
The school feeding program has long been a cornerstone in addressing food insecurity, providing vital support to students across the country. In the current fiscal year, the program received a substantial allocation of Sh4.9 billion, demonstrating its critical importance in ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals, which is essential for their overall health and academic performance.
The Ministry of Education recognized the program’s significance and sought an additional Sh1 billion in the supplementary budget to further bolster this initiative. However, the recent decision by the National Treasury to withdraw funds has sparked widespread concern and debate among education stakeholders.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang shed light on these developments during his appearance before the National Assembly Education Committee. Lawmakers expressed shock and dismay at the decision, emphasizing the far-reaching impact it could have on millions of learners who depend on the school feeding program for daily meals.
The school feeding program’s origins trace back to 1980, born out of a response to a severe drought that affected a significant portion of Kenya’s population. Initially serving 240,000 learners through collaboration between the Government of Kenya and the World Food Programme (WFP), the program has since expanded its reach to at least 2.6 million learners in 8,185 schools nationwide.
The decision to withdraw funding for the program has raised questions about the government’s commitment to addressing food insecurity among vulnerable populations, especially children. National Assembly Education Committee Chairman Julius Melly expressed concerns about the abrupt termination of the program, particularly in light of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s earlier pledge to expand the program to enhance school attendance and nutritional outcomes.
Advocating for Clarity: Transparency in Decision-Making Process
Melly emphasized the need for transparency regarding the rationale behind scrapping the program, urging government officials to provide clarity on the decision-making process. He highlighted the program’s impact on improving school enrollment, especially in marginalized areas, and stressed the importance of continuity in such critical initiatives.
The withdrawal of funds for the school feeding program comes at a challenging time when the education sector is already grappling with various challenges, including high dropout rates, limited access to quality education in certain regions, and disparities in educational outcomes.
Dr. Kipsang echoed these concerns, expressing shock over the decision and the potential consequences it could have on students’ well-being and educational outcomes. He emphasized the stark reality faced by many children who rely on the program for their primary source of nutrition, highlighting the disparity between policymakers’ decisions and the everyday challenges experienced by disadvantaged communities.
Furthermore, Dr. Kipsang warned of dire consequences across primary, junior, and secondary schools if adequate funding is not reinstated promptly. He stressed the urgent need for intervention to address the funding gap and ensure that essential educational programs, including the school feeding program, receive the necessary support to continue their operations effectively.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of funds for the school feeding program has sparked widespread concern and calls for urgent action to reinstate funding and safeguard the well-being of millions of children who rely on this critical initiative for their daily meals and educational success.
Treasury Slashes Funds for School Feeding Program.
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