Rachel Ruto Launches Nationwide Pilot Milk Program to Boost Schoolchildren’s Health
In an effort to enhance children’s nutrition and health, First Lady Rachel Ruto has unveiled a new pilot milk program targeting schoolchildren across Kenya. The program is part of a broader initiative to support children’s growth and well-being while they continue their education.
In a statement released on March 6, 2025, Rachel Ruto announced that the pilot phase of the initiative would begin in schools in Migori County. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the State Department for Livestock Development and the Kenya Dairy Board, will offer students the nutritional benefits of milk to support their physical development and focus in the classroom.
The official launch of the program took place on March 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Nyatike Constituency, where local schoolchildren received milk. The Kenya Dairy Board is providing the milk, ensuring that it is packaged in tamper-proof containers to prevent illegal resale or contamination.
Prominent figures attending the launch included Agriculture Principal Secretaries Julius Mueke and Joseph Motari, as well as Migori County Governor Ochillo Ayacko. The program will be carried out at Isebania Mixed Primary School and Bondo Kosiemo Primary School as part of the Feed One, End Hunger Agenda.
This program follows in the footsteps of other regional initiatives, such as those launched by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti. These leaders have introduced similar milk programs for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers in their counties.
For instance, last year, Governor Natembeya allocated Ksh750 million to provide milk to over 41,000 children in 434 ECDE centers in Trans Nzoia. The initiative has seen great success, with students receiving free milk twice a week.
Governor Natembeya urged teachers to protect the integrity of the program by ensuring that milk is consumed only within the school premises, ensuring the program’s goals are met.
With this new initiative, Rachel Ruto joins other leaders championing school milk programs across Kenya, aimed at improving health and educational outcomes for young learners.
