The fight against classroom hunger has moved to the high schools. The government has officially rolled out a comprehensive feeding programme for day secondary schools in Busia County, aiming to keep students in class and focused.

For years, the rumble of empty stomachs has drowned out the voice of the teacher in many day schools across Western Kenya. That changes today. The state has flagged off a pilot feeding programme specifically targeting day secondary schools in Busia Sub-county, with plans to expand across the region. The logic is simple but brutal: you cannot teach a starving child.

Targeting Retention and Performance

The initiative is a direct response to alarming dropout rates and poor academic performance linked to food insecurity. Many students in day schools come from vulnerable backgrounds, often going without lunch or surviving on meager meals. This programme guarantees at least one nutritious meal a day, a game-changer for retention.

Education officials on the ground report that absenteeism drops almost immediately when food is provided. "It is the strongest magnet we have," one principal noted. Beyond mere attendance, the programme is expected to boost concentration levels and, ultimately, national examination results. It is an investment in human capital that goes beyond the dining hall.

• The Logistics: The programme involves a partnership between the national government and local stakeholders to source food locally, thereby boosting the agrarian economy of Busia.
• The Need: Busia has historically struggled with high poverty indices, making school fees and meal costs a heavy burden for parents. This relief allows families to channel resources to other educational needs.

A Model for the Nation?

If successful, the Busia model could be the blueprint for a nationwide rollout. The success of the Nairobi County "Dishi na County" programme has already proven that school feeding works. Now, the challenge is scaling it to the secondary level where the needs are just as acute but often overlooked.

As the first plates are served, the hope is that this is not just a political gimmick but a sustainable policy. For the students of Busia, lunch is served, and the future looks a little less hungry.