Umoja One MCA Ronald Mugambi Stands Firm in Defense of Dish na County Program Amidst Criticisms
In the midst of mounting criticisms surrounding Nairobi County’s ambitious Dish na County program, Umoja One MCA Ronald Mugambi has emerged as a staunch defender, urging patience and constructive engagement with the initiative spearheaded by Governor Sakaja.
Addressing the media from his office today, Mugambi emphasized the importance of allowing the program the necessary time to overcome its initial challenges before passing judgment. He highlighted the positive impact the program has already had on education in Nairobi’s public schools, citing a significant increase in enrollment as evidence of its potential.
“Any good new initiative must have some ups and downs,” Mugambi asserted. “The program is still in its initial stage, and we are currently navigating through the challenges of balancing between the construction of kitchens and providing meals to children.”
However, concerns have been raised regarding the program’s accountability, particularly in light of allegations of misappropriation of donor funds totaling Sh 144 million. These funds, contributed by the French Government, were intended to support the initiative launched by Governor Sakaja in October 2023.
According to an oversight committee, the funds were channeled to the Food for Education Foundation, the non-profit organization serving as the implementing partner for the program. Despite this support, challenges persist, with more than half of the enrolled children still lacking access to meals due to production shortfalls.
Mugambi assured the public that issues of transparency and oversight would be addressed, emphasizing the commitment of the Food for Education Foundation to ensure the well-being of school children and uphold the highest standards of food quality and safety.
The program, which aims to provide nutritious meals to school children across Nairobi County, continues to grapple with capacity limitations. Despite initial targets aiming to produce 250,000 meals per day, the program has faced challenges in meeting these goals.
In response to concerns raised by some parents regarding the standards of the meals provided, Mugambi emphasized the importance of addressing such issues through constructive dialogue and collaboration.
As the Dish na County program navigates its early stages, Mugambi’s message is clear: patience, cooperation, and constructive engagement are essential for the program’s success. By focusing on the positive impact and working collaboratively to address challenges, stakeholders can ensure that the initiative fulfills its mandate of supporting the educational journey and well-being of Nairobi’s school children.
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