Elgeyo Marakwet — The Child Welfare Society of Kenya Tuesday kicked off food distribution to 8,606 learners in 122 schools in Elgeyo Marakwet county.

Grade six and class eight candidates who will commence their KPSEA and KCPE exams on Monday are the beneficiaries.

The government agency last week held a similar drive targeting 23 public day secondary schools secondary schools in Baringo county to support candidates sitting for the national examinations

CWSK representative Jane Mwangi said the society which is committed to promoting and protecting the welfare of children has endeavoured to support learners during the exams to ensure hunger does not jeopardise their results.

"This will ensure the candidates fully focus on their examinations and none goes without food" she said.

The initiative is in response to an appeal by Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo to the State Corporation led by CEO Irene Mureithi to intervene and provide the pupils with daily lunches during the examination period.

The constituency manager who received and flagged off the CWSK team that will be in the area for three days hailed the management for donating food supplies which include maize, green grams, cooking oil and rice to cushion the candidates.

"We are amazed by the overwhelming support from CWSK. Families have been struggling to feed the children, the feeding programme will retain learners in school and keep the safe as well as improve their performance. We are grateful to the CEO Ms Irene Mureithi for the swift action which is timely" Eng. Moses Kigen the Constituency Manager said.

Established in 1955, Child Welfare Society of Kenya has been running various programmes to protect the rights of children in the country.

It has been recognized for effective rapid response for children in need of urgent rescue, shelter, health and other services. .