MPs Investigate Disputed Transfer of KSh 3 Billion School Feeding Funds
The school feeding programme, crucial for reducing school dropouts in Kenya’s most marginalized regions, has recently come under scrutiny. This initiative provides a nutritious meal each day to children in 26 counties with high dropout rates, ensuring they receive at least one healthy meal during school hours. Originally managed by the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya, the programme’s oversight has been a key factor in its success in keeping children engaged in education.
Budgetary Changes and Concerns
The recent decision to transfer the school feeding programme from the Ministry of Education to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has sparked controversy. This shift, captured in the Supplementary Budget currently under parliamentary review, involves reallocating KSh 3 billion. Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has labeled the transfer as illegal, arguing that the programme should remain under the Ministry of Education to ensure consistency with other educational initiatives.
Parliamentary Probe
The National Education Committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, is investigating the rationale behind the transfer. MPs are questioning why the programme’s relocation was included in the supplementary budget without prior notification and whether NDMA is equipped to manage it effectively. Melly emphasized the need for a transparent and consultative process, particularly involving the Ministry of Education, before implementing such significant policy changes.
Major Concerns Raised by MPs
Consultation Process
MPs are seeking clarification on whether the Ministry of Education was properly consulted before the decision to transfer the programme was made.
Capability of NDMA
Concerns have been raised about NDMA’s ability to manage the programme compared to the Ministry of Education, which already has established structures for such initiatives.
Reasons for Transfer
There is also a demand for an explanation regarding the reasons behind moving the programme from the education sector to NDMA.
Constituency-Specific Concerns by MPs
Narok MP Rebecca Tonkei
Tonkei has urged the National Treasury to explain the reallocation of funds and expressed concerns that the transfer could exacerbate school dropout rates in marginalized areas.
Mandera North MP Haro Ebrahim
Ebrahim questioned the appropriateness of using a supplementary budget for such a major policy shift.
Nairobi Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi
Momanyi argued that only the Ministry of Education possesses the necessary infrastructure to effectively address the needs of the programme’s beneficiaries.
Financial Implications
Principal Secretary Kipsang highlighted that there is a pending bill of KSh 2.4 billion from the previous financial year, which remains unsettled due to issues with the exchequer. He assured that, in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act No. 18 of 2012, this amount will be included in the FY 2024/25 budgetary allocations.
