March 6, 2025
First Lady Rachel Ruto has announced the launch of a pilot school milk programme, targeting school-going children across Kenya to enhance their health and energy levels as they learn.
The initiative, spearheaded in collaboration with the Kenya Dairy Board and the State Department for Livestock Development, will officially kick off on March 7 at 11 AM in Migori County, with selected schools in Nyatike Constituency set to receive the first batch of free milk.
A Milestone in School Nutrition
The programme aims to provide essential nutrients to children, supporting their growth, brain development, and concentration levels in class. At the official launch event, Rachel Ruto will formally inaugurate the distribution, ensuring that pupils benefit from quality, safely packaged milk supplied by the Kenya Dairy Board.
To prevent misuse or tampering, the milk will be packaged in special containers, making it difficult for unscrupulous individuals to re-sell or alter the product.
Key Leaders to Attend the Launch
The highly anticipated event will take place at Isebania Mixed Primary School and Bondo Kosiemo Primary School under the “Feed One, End Hunger” agenda.
Several notable leaders are expected to accompany the First Lady, including:
Agriculture Principal Secretaries Julius Mueke & Joseph Motari
Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko
Various county officials and stakeholders in the dairy and education sectors
Expanding a Growing Trend in Kenya
Rachel Ruto joins a list of influential leaders across Kenya who have embraced free milk initiatives to support Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) students.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya allocated Ksh750 million last year to provide free milk for over 41,000 ECDE children in 434 centres, ensuring they received milk twice a week.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti also introduced a similar programme to boost nutrition among young learners.
During the launch of his county’s initiative, Governor Natembeya urged teachers to safeguard the programme, ensuring that milk is consumed exclusively within school premises to maximize its intended benefits.
A Step Towards a Healthier Future for Kenyan Children
The First Lady’s school milk programme represents a crucial step in enhancing children’s nutrition and school performance. By ensuring regular milk supply, the initiative encourages school attendance, supports cognitive development, and boosts local dairy farming.
As the pilot phase unfolds, all eyes will be on how the programme expands across the country and the positive impact it will have on young learners.