Mary Saburi, a headteacher at State House Day pre-school, has rejected the County’s directive to transfer and demote her as punishment for opposing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s feeding program, dubbed Dishi na County, whose menu includes chapatis for school-going children.
According to Mary Saburi, she has served as the Centre manager of the facility for nearly a year before the visit from the county education officials.
“From a Centre manager to a classroom teacher,” Mary said, speaking to the media on her demotion as directed by the County.
Her transfer letter cited that the demotion resulted from her opposition to the school feeding program (Dishi County), championed by the governor.
The letter also indicated that she opposed the program at Upperhill Day pre-school, her previous school, and State House Day pre-school, her current station.
Mary Saburi woes
Mary Saburi was summoned and questioned by her Education Officer, Linet Mbihi, about the feeding program.
“I found there was no Dishi na County at State House Day Nursery. I am a new Centre manager, and I am only one year old at State House Day Nursery,” Mary stated.
Saburi vowed not to leave the school until the County explained why she was being punished for a sin she did not commit.
“I am not going to receive it, and I did not sign in the delivery book,” Mary explained.
Her argument is that when Dishi na County was introduced, she was not in the school.
She also refused to sign the handover letter, citing that there was no warning letter or a disciplinary committee due to her opposition to the feeding program.
Ahmed Abdi, the chief officer for ECDE and vocational training in Nairobi County, who signed the transfer letter, stated that Mary’s transfer was a routine and not punitive and unrelated to the Dishi na County.
Also Read: Sakaja Forced to Clarify Dishi na County Millions After Questions
Dishi na County Feeding Program
Dishi na County school feeding program is an initiative of Nairobi City County Governor, Johnson Sakaja.
It was launched in 2023 and has grown over the years, serving approximately 316,000 students across 230 public schools and ECDE centers.
Benefits of the program
The program is meant to benefit learners in public primary and ECDE schools by increasing enrollment and improving attendance and performance.
Additionally, the program seeks to promote good nutrition through the maintenance of food safety and the timely delivery of school lunches.
To ensure ownership, every student is required to pay Ksh5, and those with disabilities or who are less fortunate are considered individually.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
