The Ukombozi Dairy Program, a major initiative of the Governor George Natembeya administration aimed at improving the nutrition of young learners, has undergone significant changes.

Why was the Natembeya dairy program interrupted?

The programme, which had a budget of Ksh70 million for the 2023/24 financial year, was halted earlier this year due to implementation issues.

The original supplier, contracted to deliver milk to Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), supplied milk worth Ksh8.1 million before the contract was terminated for failing to meet county-wide demand.

The contractor received Ksh6.7 million, with a remaining balance of Ksh1.4 million.

Natembeya said due to the supplier’s inability to meet the program’s demand, the county government had to renew the contract with New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC), which is better equipped for distribution.

The program faced additional challenges due to lack of funding. Of the Ksh70 million allocated, only Ksh8.1 million was used as the Treasury failed to release all funds to the county before the end of the financial year.

Read also

What is a concession contract and how is it different from a public contract?

“Coupled with a shortfall of over Ksh200 million in local revenue collection, the county was forced to re-budget the program in the current financial year,” Governor Natembeya said.

How did Natembeya solve the milk problem?

Natembeya affirmed that the county government has partnered with New KCC to ensure reliable and efficient milk distribution from the first quarter of the 2025 academic year.

“We have confidence in New KCC’s ability to meet demand and deliver quality milk to our ECDE centers,” assured Natembeya.

The revamped program will resume as part of the county’s broader efforts to improve early childhood education and nutrition for young learners.

Governor Natembeya, during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Education, highlighted the county’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and services.

The committee commended his administration for its progressive policies, including permanent and pensionable employment of all ECDE teachers.

Read also

Moi University blames its woes on low student enrollment and government funding: ‘6,000 out of 14,000 freshmen’

He also outlined plans to improve the teacher-student ratio and ensure sufficient learning materials for ECDE centers.

He also outlined plans to improve the teacher-student ratio and ensure sufficient learning materials for ECDE centers.

Source: TUKO.co.ke