Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, on Tuesday, presided over the distribution of milk to Early Childhood Development Education learners in Kaptagat Ward. This marked the start of the second phase of the groundbreaking school milk program targeting children in centres across the county.
The program has been ongoing for several months now and it initially targeted 40,000 learners.
Speaking during the event held at Rot-Tuga ECDE, Dr Bii said so far, the program has been a huge success.
He highlighted several achievements of the program among them increased enrolment for the ECDE learners, decrease in absenteeism and enhanced learners’ retention.
“We have so far given out over 1.85M packets of milk to the learners under the program,” the Governor said.
Learners in all public ECDEs have been receiving milk twice every week – on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Impact of the Uasin Gishu School Milk Program
Aside from a boost in the education sector, the Uasin Gishu School Milk program has also had a positive impact on several other key sectors among them the transport industry for individuals that transport the milk to ECDEs.
“Dairy farming has also benefited as more milk is now being taken to New KCC through cooperatives and the economy has benefited from the initiative,” the Governor said.
He further affirmed that his administration would continue supporting the program.
School Milk Program is one of the Nguzo Kumi pledges that Governor Bii made to locals under the Education Pillar.
Earlier the Governor Commissioned modern Rot-Tuga ECDE with a capacity to accommodate over 50 pupils.
Smooth transition from ECDE
Speaking at the same event, Education CECM Anthony Sitienei noted that since the launch of the program, milk has always been delivered on time – and without fail.
He also noted that the county has invested in the ECDE infrastructure with every public primary school now having at least two classrooms.
“When you see the quality of ECDE classes and those in primary school, you will notice there is a difference. This is why we need to team up with the National Government to ensure a smooth transition from ECDE to Grade 1,” Sitienei said.
Chief Officer Education Marion Birgen in her remarks thanked the governor for confirming all the ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
Birgen said the county had rebranded the milk program to the international standards.
