Githunguri Constituency has emerged as a model for innovative, learner-focused education support following the rollout of a fully digitised school feeding programme.
The initiative covers 27 public day secondary schools with a combined population of about 7,900 learners. Each student uses an ATM card to access daily lunch meals at Ksh30, while paying a subsidised school fee of only Ksh500, with the balance met by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF).
At the primary level, 53 public schools serving more than 29,000 learners benefit from the programme. Pupils use Tap to Eat smart watches to access lunch at Ksh20 per meal, with some ECDE learners also included.
All meals are prepared at a central kitchen in Ikinu and distributed to schools by 11am, ensuring hot and sufficient portions. The programme has been running successfully for two years.
Looking ahead, the constituency plans to provide girls with sanitary pads manufactured locally from banana fibres by women’s groups, linking education, dignity, and local enterprise.
