Millions of vulnerable Kenyan learners face the risk of missing school due to a significant underfunding of the school feeding programme. The programme requires Sh7.8 billion annually but faces a deficit of Sh3.1 billion even after a proposed budget top-up.

• The programme directly supports 2.6 million learners in arid, semi-arid, and informal settlements.
• The National Assembly Committee on Education has proposed an additional Sh1.75 billion to the current allocation of Sh3 billion.
• Chronic underfunding has led to inconsistent meal schedules, impacting learner retention and nutrition, especially amidst worsening food insecurity.