Wajir County Launches Feeding Programme for 28,000 ECDE Pupils.
Wajir County has taken a significant step in promoting early childhood education by launching a comprehensive Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) school feeding programme. The initiative is expected to enhance both the nutritional well-being and classroom attendance of pre-primary learners across the county.
The programme is set to benefit more than 28,000 children enrolled in 362 ECDE centres spread across all 14 sub-counties in Wajir. The feeding initiative will provide a daily serving of fortified corn-soya blend (CSB) porridge to young learners, aiming to improve their physical growth and cognitive development during critical early years.
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, while launching the programme in Wajir town on Tuesday, emphasised that the feeding initiative reflects a renewed commitment to shaping a brighter future for children through better health and education. He stated that the initiative would directly contribute to improved school access and long-term academic performance among pre-primary learners.
“This programme is about more than just food. It is an investment in the health, education, and potential of our children,” said the Governor during his address to the gathered stakeholders and residents.
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The ECDE school feeding programme has its roots in 2016, when the devolution of the School Meals Programme from the World Food Programme (WFP) to county governments enabled local implementation. Governor Abdullahi highlighted that the county has already witnessed substantial growth in ECDE enrolment since then, climbing from 16,500 learners in 2016 to 28,686 in 2025.
He explained that the increasing numbers demonstrate the programme’s impact in attracting and retaining children in school, particularly in regions prone to food insecurity.
To ensure the programme’s long-term success, the Governor called on stakeholders, parents, and development partners to play a more active role. He urged all parties to join efforts in mobilising the resources required to maintain and expand the initiative across the county.
Governor Abdullahi stressed that no child should be forced to skip school due to hunger and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to uphold that principle. He also pointed out that sustained support is necessary to secure the programme’s future.
“We must work collectively to secure the resources required to strengthen and sustain this programme,” he insisted.
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Local residents and education stakeholders have welcomed the news with optimism. One teacher in Wajir expressed hope that the programme would not only boost enrolment but also improve learner concentration and performance. Another parent said that the initiative is a great relief for families struggling with food shortages, and thanked the county for prioritising young learners.
The launch of the ECDE feeding programme is a promising development for Wajir County, marking a strategic investment in both education and public health that could serve as a model for other regions.
Wajir County Launches Feeding Programme for 28,000 ECDE Pupils.