On January 11, 2025, eight kitchens across Nairobi’s public schools celebrated a monumental milestone — the one-year anniversary of the Dishi na County program.
This initiative has made significant strides in the fight against hunger and malnutrition, serving an astounding eight million meals since its inception.
Governor Sakaja Johnson joined the celebrations at Muthangari Primary School, where he shared a meal with the students and underscored the importance of the Dishi na County kitchens.
Speaking at the event, he emphasized, “The eight kitchens, located in Bidii, Roysambu, Njiru, Kayole 1, Kwa Njenga, Muthangari, Toi, and Racecourse Primary, have collectively served over eight million meals since their inception. This is a testament to the commitment and hard work of everyone involved.”
Governor Sakaja went on to commend the tireless efforts of the cooks, drivers, managers, and cleaners who have contributed to the success of the program.
“Hongera! Watoi Wadishi, Washibe wasome! It has been a great journey, and we are proud to see increased school enrollment thanks to Dishi na County,” he added.
Addressing Hunger and Malnutrition
The initiative, which is a partnership with Food 4 Education, is part of Nairobi County’s School Feeding Program.
These centralized kitchens, also known as “Giga Kitchens,” are responsible for preparing over 60,000 nutritious meals daily, which are then distributed to surrounding public primary schools.
The meals are not only aimed at curbing malnutrition but also at promoting academic performance and increasing school enrollment rates.
To further their sustainability efforts, the Giga Kitchens are powered by eco-friendly scrap wood briquettes, which run two boilers necessary for cooking the large-scale meals.
This sustainable infrastructure ensures that children get access to nutritious food without compromising the environment.
Governor Sakaja highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, noting, “The establishment of the kitchens has not only provided meals but also created job opportunities for our residents. It has had a positive impact on transforming the lives of families in poor neighborhoods.”
Creating a Long-Term Impact
The Dishi na County initiative targets public primary schools and early childhood education centers across Nairobi.
It focuses on providing hot, nutritious meals at a highly subsidized cost, with students paying as little as 5 shillings through the innovative “tap-to-eat” wristbands.
By centralizing food preparation in strategic locations, the initiative reduces the costs of construction, food purchases, and energy that would otherwise be incurred by setting up kitchens in each individual school.
This approach ensures more efficient use of resources while delivering consistent and high-quality meals to children in need.
“Schools play a critical role in the well-being of children,” said Governor Sakaja.
“They are not just centers for education, but also for ensuring the nutritional needs of the future generation are met. With programs like Dishi na County, we are setting the foundation for a healthier, more educated youth.”
A Vision for Sustainable School Meals
The Dishi na County program aligns with the broader objectives of the Kenyan government’s Home-Grown School Meals Programme (HGSMP), which aims to address hunger in schools, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas as well as urban slums.
By supporting local food supply chains and prioritizing locally grown food, the HGSMP ensures that children receive culturally appropriate meals that support both their nutrition and the local economy.
However, there are still challenges, such as inadequate school meal infrastructure, limited storage facilities, and energy inefficiency in some schools.
These barriers often lead to food spoilage and waste. “Some schools still rely on traditional cooking methods such as firewood, which not only affects food safety but also harms the environment,” explained a program coordinator.
“With the continued support for programs like Dishi na County, we can tackle these issues head-on.
As the Dishi na County kitchens celebrate this impressive milestone, it is clear that the initiative has made a lasting impact on Nairobi’s public schoolchildren. With over eight million meals served, the program has not only addressed malnutrition but also improved school enrollment, performance, and community livelihoods.
Governor Sakaja summed up the success of the program by saying, “This is just the beginning. We are committed to making sure that no child goes hungry and that every child has the opportunity to succeed in school. Dishi na County will continue to serve as a model of sustainable, inclusive, and impactful change for our children.”
