Kenya's school meal programs expand but struggle with nutrition gaps

Kenya's school meal programmes have expanded rapidly in recent years. The number of children receiving meals rose from 66 million in 2022 to 87 million by 2024. Yet concerns remain over the nutritional quality of the food served, as many meals lack diversity and key nutrients.

Currently, school feeding in Kenya follows different models depending on local needs. However, a common issue persists: monotonous menus with limited dietary variety. This reduces the overall nutritional value of the meals provided.

A proposed solution involves setting a minimum requirement for local procurement. Under this plan, at least 30% of school food would come from nearby micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and smallholder farmers (SHFs). The focus would be on nutrient-dense foods, improving children's diets.

Engaging local farmers has clear benefits. It ensures fresher ingredients while supporting small-scale producers. Studies suggest this approach could boost both meal quality and community incomes.

The push for local sourcing aims to address gaps in Kenya's school feeding efforts. By prioritising fresh, nutrient-rich foods, the policy could enhance children's health. The success of such measures will depend on effective implementation and farmer participation.