Lari Constituency Member of Parliament Joseph Mburu has lauded the success of the ongoing Masomo Smart feeding programme after a comprehensive review with school principals.
During a meeting earlier this week with heads of schools, principals from day secondary schools and mixed day-and-boarding institutions reported significant improvements in student retention and attendance.
The programme, designed to reduce absenteeism and ease the financial burden on parents, has contributed to a more conducive learning environment.
As part of the initiative, school fees have been reduced to Ksh 2,000 per student, making education more accessible to families in need.
Speaking at the meeting, the MP emphasized the programme’s role in achieving universal student retention.
“Our aim is to ensure 100 per cent student retention, which will ultimately improve performance.
We are also working towards enrolling all our public primary schools in the Tap2Eat feeding programme, where pupils will only pay Ksh 20 per day for meals,” he stated.
The MP reaffirmed his commitment to education as a top priority in the constituency’s development agenda, pledging to provide necessary infrastructure to enhance learning.
“I am ready to support our schools with all the relevant infrastructure for the benefit of our learners,” he added.
Mburu noted that the Masomo Smart programme is expected to significantly reduce hunger among students, fostering a ripple effect that will enhance academic performance and overall well-being.
Lari is among the few constituencies in Kiambu County implementing the programme, alongside Limuru and Githunguri.
The initiative aligns with the Tap2Eat cashless payment system, which provides meals to public primary school children.
Beyond Kiambu, the Tap2Eat programme is also operational in Nairobi, Murang’a, Mombasa, and Kisumu counties.
By Yvonne Wangeci
