Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti on Thursday launched the ‘Maziwa ya Mama’ program, a groundbreaking initiative providing free milk to all public Early Childhood Education Centers (ECDE) across the county.
The launch, which took place at Kyemutheke Primary School in Mavoko Sub-County, marks a significant milestone in the history of devolution in Kenya.
Under the program, Early Childhood Education (ECDE) learners across Machakos County will have the opportunity to enjoy milk twice a week, aiming to enhance their nutrition, health, and overall well-being.
Governor Ndeti believes that this initiative will not only contribute to the children’s physical development but also serve as a catalyst for increased enrollment in ECDE centers.
She expressed her enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing its potential to create a positive impact on the learning experience of young children.
“The ‘Maziwa ya Mama’ program, under the slogan ‘Feeding the Future,’ is designed to elevate children’s nutrition at the basic education level, ensuring a healthier and more conducive environment for learning,” she stated.
In addition to the benefits for children, the program is expected to provide a significant boost to local dairy farmers. Governor Ndeti announced that only local milk farmers and cooperative societies would be authorized to supply milk for the initiative, thereby supporting the local farming community.
However, Governor Ndeti cautioned against any diversion of the milk for personal gain, urging teachers and parents to ensure that the primary beneficiaries remain the learners. “We need only learners to benefit from this project,” she emphasized.
Senator Agnes Kavindu, present at the launch, drew parallels with the ‘Maziwa Ya Nyayo’ program, highlighting its success in assisting children from disadvantaged backgrounds to stay in school.
