- Staff members of Nairobi’s Dishi na County program staged a protest over delayed salaries.
- Workers, dressed in official uniforms, marched through CBD, demanding their wages.
- The school feeding program, launched by Governor Johnson Sakaja in 2023, aims to improve student health and performance.
- The initiative has served over 8 million meals and employs many Nairobi residents.
- The County Government has yet to address the salary delay concerns.
Staff members of Dishi na County, the school feeding program launched by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, took to the streets of the Central Business District (CBD) to protest unpaid wages.
Videos captured by NTV News showed workers in their official uniforms, carrying placards and chanting as they marched through the city.
One of the protesters revealed that they had not received their salaries for the past month, forcing them to demonstrate in demand for their pay.
About Dishi na County
Launched on June 19, 2023, the Dishi na County program was designed to:
- Enhance student health through balanced meals.
- Improve academic performance by reducing hunger in classrooms.
- Encourage school attendance by making meals affordable.
The initiative involves centralized kitchens, known as Giga Kitchens, built in each of Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties. These kitchens prepare and distribute meals to schools, ensuring students receive hot, nutritious food daily.
Students contribute Ksh5 per meal using a tap-to-eat system, with the County Government covering costs for those unable to pay.
Impact and Governor’s Remarks
By its first anniversary, Dishi na County was serving meals to over 250,000 students and had created numerous job opportunities for Nairobi residents.
Governor Sakaja previously highlighted the success of the initiative, stating:
“The eight kitchens in Bidii, Roysambu, Njiru, Kayole 1, Kwa Njenga, Muthangari, Toi, and Racecourse Primary have served over 8 million meals since their inception. Hongera! Watoi Wadishi, Washibe wasome! Increased school enrollment is proof of its success.”
Awaiting County Response
Despite the program’s achievements, the salary delays have frustrated workers, who are now calling for immediate action from the Nairobi County Government.
Authorities are yet to issue an official response regarding the salary dispute.
