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{
    "id": 1199169,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1199169/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 395,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Narok South, Independent",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Kitilai ole Ntutu",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute on this important Motion that pertains to the development of a school feeding policy by Hon. Muhanda. Before I go into that, I would like to salute and appreciate the people of Narok South for sending me to this honourable House through an independent ticket. It was not an easy task but a big fight. For the people of Narok South, I would like to say thank you very much. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, going into the Motion, I rise to fully support this important Motion because coming up with a clear legal framework that will regulate the feeding programme in our public schools will not only be about the improvement of nutrition intake for our children, but it will also be the surest way to sustain education of our young learners in Kenyan schools. As I speak in this honourable House, many children in Kenya including those from Narok South where I represent in this House, are not in school now due to the ongoing drought as a result of failed rains. The prolonged dry spells and drought, in several parts of this country have affected livestock like sheep and cattle in Narok South and Kenya in general, and especially in ASAL areas. The current drought in Kenya has forced many pastoralists in Narok South to migrate to very far areas in search of pasture and water for their livestock, thus interrupting learners’ educational calendar. The absence of our learners in school has not only affected their academic performance over the years, but has also made a big percentage to drop out of schools, especially the girl-child. This is due to early pregnancy and marriages. According to international, regional and national focus, there is a high likelihood of below average rainfall during the October to December short rains across northern and eastern Kenya. Due to this change of climatic conditions globally, we must be prepared for the future of learners by mitigating the effect of drought. If there was a proper feeding programme to sustain those kids in school, they would remain in school and learn uninterrupted at all times. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, areas of Naroosura, Enkutoto, Loita and Maji Moto are the main affected areas by drought in Narok South, the constituency which I represent. It is high time Parliament came up with a school feeding programme that is supported by a clear policy and budgetary framework that is fully anchored in the law. This will go very far in supporting people, and especially learners in ASAL areas. Arid and semi-arid areas are part of Kenya that is, northern Kenya and eastern Kenya. Thank you very much. I beg to support this very important Motion."
}