Attendance Improves After Nairobi Schools Introduce Breakfast Programs

NAIROBI, Kenya – September 2025 — Nairobi City County has reported a significant improvement in school attendance following the expansion of its school breakfast initiative under the Dishi na County program. The initiative, which began scaling in August and reached full implementation in September 2025, provides daily nutritious meals to thousands of learners across public primary schools, particularly in informal settlements.
The program, guided by the newly released Nairobi City County School Feeding Policy 2025, aims to combat classroom hunger, improve concentration, and reduce absenteeism. In Mathare, the Peter Bachmann Foundation’s Uji Program has complemented county efforts by offering porridge and lunch to children in local schools. Teachers have noted a marked increase in punctuality and participation, with some schools reporting up to a 20% rise in daily attendance.
This program has restored dignity and hope to many families, said a headteacher from Embakasi. Children are not only coming to school—they’re staying focused and eager to learn. With support from the county’s 2025–2026 budget and international partners like the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, Nairobi plans to expand the program to include nutrition education and community kitchens. As the city continues to prioritize inclusive education, the breakfast initiative stands as a model for how local governments can drive both academic and social progress.