In a renewed effort to combat child malnutrition and boost school attendance, First Lady Rachel Ruto has taken the lead in reviving the historic school milk programme, Maziwa ya Nyayo. This initiative, first introduced in the 1970s by the late President Daniel Moi, provided free milk to public school children across Kenya before being discontinued in the mid-1990s due to financial constraints.
During a high-level meeting at State House, the First Lady engaged key dairy sector stakeholders, including the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) and over 40 milk processors, to discuss strategies for reinstating the programme. The discussions focused on ensuring sustainable funding, strengthening the supply chain, and maximizing the nutritional benefits for school-going children.
Dairy industry players expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting its economic advantages for local farmers and processors, as well as its crucial role in enhancing child nutrition and academic performance. “Many Kenyans still recall the positive impact of Maziwa ya Nyayo. It not only improved children’s health but also encouraged school attendance. We are committed to reviving and expanding this legacy,” the First Lady remarked.
To kickstart the programme, a pilot initiative has already been launched in Migori and Nakuru counties, where schoolchildren are receiving milk twice a week. This trial run aims to assess logistical and financial feasibility before a nationwide rollout.
