KISUMU — The Chairperson of the National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS), Sophia Abdi Noor, has reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to protecting vulnerable learners as First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto rolled out a major food support program for drought-affected schools in Kisumu County.
The initiative was launched at Lwala Kadawa Primary School in Kisumu West, bringing together area leaders, development partners, and other dignitaries as part of the First Lady’s broader program to cushion children from the effects of the ongoing drought.
Kisumu women, you have a beautiful spirit of togetherness!
I was delighted to spend time with women in Kisumu, celebrating their strength, resilience and determination to create better opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities. pic.twitter.com/SyLgvB5xgk
— Mama Rachel Ruto, EGH (@MamaRachelRuto) September 8, 2026
In a statement posted on her official social media account, Mrs. Sophia Abdi Noor emphasized the critical link between nutrition and education, noting that learners cannot be expected to thrive academically when faced with hunger.
“No child should have to learn on an empty stomach or have their education interrupted because of circumstances beyond their control,” she stated.
According to Mrs. Sophia Noor, the program will benefit learners in 84 schools across five drought-affected sub-counties in the region. The intervention is designed to safeguard the well-being of children and ensure their retention in school during the emergency period.
“For a child, a meal is more than food. It provides the strength to learn, the dignity to participate, and the opportunity to stay focused on education. Initiatives such as this demonstrate the importance of placing children at the heart of our national response to emergencies and vulnerability,” she said.
There is something special about being surrounded by young minds filled with curiosity, ambition and dreams for the future. Today, I met with learners at Lwala Kadawa Primary School in Kisumu West. pic.twitter.com/MNFGDSVhoh
— Mama Rachel Ruto, EGH (@MamaRachelRuto) September 8, 2026
Mrs. Sophia Noor, who is also a former MP, lauded the First Lady for her sustained advocacy for children’s welfare, particularly in her role as the Patron of the National Council for Children’s Services.
“I sincerely thank Mama Rachel Ruto for her continued commitment to the welfare of children and, in particular, for serving as the Patron of the National Council for Children’s Services. Her leadership and dedication continue to inspire efforts to protect, support, and promote the rights and well-being of every child,” she noted.
She reaffirmed the National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS) commitment to collaborate with the Office of the First Lady, national and county governments, and all partners to ensure no child is left behind.
“When we put children first, we secure the future of our nation!” she added.
The exercise is part of ongoing national efforts to mitigate the impact of drought on education and child welfare in vulnerable counties.
