President Ruto pledges Sh5 million for renovations at Nairobi’s Zawadi Primary School

President William Ruto has pledged Sh5 million to renovate Zawadi Primary School in Nairobi, citing the school’s deteriorating infrastructure.

Speaking during a visit to the school, Ruto noted the broken windows and other structural issues, promising that the funds would be used to improve the learning environment.

"Because I have come here to your school, Zawadi, and I have seen that you are working hard. I will send five million shillings for this school. I have noticed that some windows are broken, so this school should be renovated," Ruto said.

"Therefore, Mr Yusuf (Kamukunji MP), the MCA, and the headteacher, you will coordinate, and next time I return, this school should be well refurbished."

During his visit, the president also unveiled a commemorative plaque to officially open the Zawadi Comprehensive School Dishi Na County kitchen, which will provide affordable meals to students.

Shared a meal

Ruto later shared a meal with the learners. He was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris among other leaders.

Last year, Governor Sakaja announced the expansion of the Dishi na County programme, which was already providing 184,000 meals daily to schoolchildren in Nairobi. He announced the establishment of additional central kitchens, including one at Zawadi Primary School, as part of efforts to scale up the initiative and reach 250,000 children.

Sakaja has often emphasised that the programme is a key pillar of his campaign pledge to address urban poverty. He notes that hunger remains a major barrier to education, with many children missing school due to a lack of food.

By expanding meal access, he said, the county was ensuring that more learners could stay in school and focus on their studies without the constant struggle of food insecurity.

"One out of every four learners has been missing school due to hunger. Some students even save part of their meals to take home for their siblings and parents,” he said.

Under the programme, parents contribute Sh5 per meal, while the county government pays Sh25. A donor supplements the cost by contributing Sh10 per child.

The initiative has been lauded as “the most affordable school lunch programme in Kenya.”

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• Dishi na County
• Zawadi Primary School
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