Schools Encouraged to Improve Health and Nutrition Programs

Nutritionists, educators, and public-health experts are urging Kenyan schools to deepen their health and nutrition efforts amid growing concerns about childhood malnutrition, hygiene, and learning outcomes. Under the national School Health and Nutrition agenda — anchored in Kenya Vision 2030 — the government is emphasizing midday meals, hygiene education, and the reintroduction of a school milk programme, particularly in disadvantaged regions like informal settlements and ASAL areas.
A revived National School Milk Programme is being championed by First Lady Rachel Ruto, who recently launched a pilot in several counties that will provide two milk packets weekly to children. Nutritionists argue this move could not only improve students’ nutritional status but also encourage attendance, concentration, and long-term health.
Meanwhile, UNESCO — in partnership with the Ministries of Health and Education — is promoting the concept of health-promoting schools across Kenya. The initiative uses global WHO guidelines to foster school environments where students learn about health, nutrition, hygiene, and mental well-being. As part of this push, school health clubs, clean water access, and nutrition education are being institutionalized to help children make better food choices.
At the policy level, the National School Health Implementation Guideline calls for more than just meals. It recommends regular health assessments (e.g., de-worming, micronutrient screening), integrating nutrition education into the school curriculum, and building good food practices like school gardens. These steps, experts say, are critical to ensuring that nutrition in schools supports both good health and learning.