On July 26 World Food Programme (WFP) donated over 60 motorcycles and an automobile to Kenya's Ministry of Education to enhance the Kenyan government's capacity to implement and monitor the country's expanding Home-Grown School Meals (HGSM) programme in Kenya.

The motorcycles and vehicle, which are valued at USD 100,000 (approximately Ksh 8.6 million), are part of a donation made by the United States Government to WFP in efforts to strengthen the HGSM programme.

"In partnership with the WFP and the government of Kenya, the U. S. Embassy is proud to provide 650,000 Kenyan school children with the meals they need each day to achieve their best in school" said U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Robert F. Godec.

He continued, "The Government of Kenya is committed to providing school meals to needy children and appreciates the support of WFP and the United States towards achieving this."

Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology said, "The motorcycles, which will be sent out to the counties and sub-counties, as well as the ongoing training of the Home Grown School Meals Program (HGSMP) managers, are steps towards ensuring sustainability and improved efficiency of the programme."

Since 2004 under the McGovern-Dole Program, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided $77.8 million to WFP to fund school feeding activities in Kenya.

The HGSMP sees school meals delivered to children at school, supporting their educational achievements, and stimulating local agricultural production through the purchase of food from smallholder farmers and local food suppliers.