Kenya has introduced its first nationwide Model Pre-Primary School Feeding Policy to guide counties in providing regular meals to early learners.

The framework, launched at the Devolution Conference, gives all 47 counties a clear roadmap to tackle hunger, boost attendance, and strengthen local economies through home-grown food initiatives.

Developed by the Council of Governors in partnership with Food4Education, the policy sets standards for equitable and sustainable school feeding programmes.

It also provides financing and accountability measures to ensure programmes remain effective over time.

“Financing remains the most significant barrier to long-term sustainability, and this policy addresses that by integrating school feeding into county development plans and pre-primary education grants,” the framework states.

The initiative was accompanied by a panel discussion on Nourishing Kenya’s Future, which brought together county officials, educators, and development partners to discuss school feeding as a tool for inclusive growth.

Counties are expected to implement locally sourced meal programmes, linking schools with farmer cooperatives and promoting food processing and preservation technologies to guarantee consistent supply.

They are also required to recruit sufficient staff to manage the programmes effectively.

The policy emphasises home-grown models to support rural farmers and ensure meals are available year-round while minimising post-harvest waste.

Early results in counties already adopting the programme are promising.

In Mombasa, more than 25,000 pre-primary learners receive daily meals, leading to a 21.7 per cent rise in attendance and an 80 per cent drop in absenteeism.

With the new framework, counties across Kenya are expected to expand school feeding programmes, making classrooms hunger-free and supporting children’s ability to learn and thrive.