Public Outcry Over Governor Ndeti’s Personal Branding in Taxpayer-Funded Milk for ECDE
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti unveiled a groundbreaking initiative on Thursday, introducing a free milk program for all public Early Childhood Education Centers (ECDE) across Machakos County.
This unprecedented program, the first of its kind in Kenya’s devolution history, was officially launched at Kyemutheke Primary School in Mavoko Sub-County.
Governor Ndeti, describing the program as a significant milestone, emphasized its potential to increase enrollment, enhance nutrition among children, and improve their overall health and well-being. Under this initiative, pre-primary (Nursery) school children will have the opportunity to enjoy milk twice a week.
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Despite the commendable nature of the project, Governor Ndeti faced criticism for featuring her image on the milk packets. Kenyans voiced their displeasure, questioning the use of public funds for such personal promotion.
Renowned journalist and social media influencer Juma G raised concerns, stating, “The ‘Maziwa ya Mama’ initiative by Wavinya Ndeti is commendable, but why include her picture? It is public money she is utilizing, not a single cent from her own pocket. Why the photo? Why not a picture of a cow or a group of kids in a school?”
Expressing disappointment, another user questioned, “Why put your picture on public money? That’s public money! There’s no need for your picture! Shame on you!”
Vincent Kondeng raised pertinent questions, seeking clarification: “Why draw her picture there? When a new governor assumes office, will the county need to rebrand, or does the program end with her? Was it her idea, or was she appointed? Does she own a dairy factory, or is she using her salary to purchase the milk? I come in peace…”
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Despite the widespread condemnation, there were those who still appreciated the initiative, considering it praiseworthy and worth emulating.
Social commentator and columnist Gabriel Oguda remarked, “Machakos Governor @Wavinya_Ndeti is implementing a comprehensive school milk program, increasing enrollment numbers, while other Governors use devolution funds for personal indulgences. What did some of us ever do to God?”
Named ‘Maziwa ya Mama’ with the slogan ‘Feeding the Future,’ the program aims to improve children’s nutrition at the basic education level for a more effective learning experience, as stated by Governor Ndeti. In addition to the health and nutrition benefits, the initiative is expected to positively impact dairy farmers’ earnings through the supply of milk.
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Public Outcry Over Governor Ndeti’s Personal Branding in Taxpayer-Funded Milk for ECDE
