Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced that the chapati-making machine pledged by President William Ruto is now fully functional and producing approximately 5,000 chapatis every hour. The machine operates at the Dishi na County kitchen located in the Industrial Area.

During a radio interview on August 12, Sakaja highlighted the machine’s capacity while discussing the county’s school feeding programme. The initiative aims to enhance meal provision for schoolchildren, a promise made by President Ruto in March 2025 after a visit to a Mathare school where pupils requested chapatis be included in their meals.

"The machine produces around 5,000 chapatis per hour. It is stationed at our kitchen in Industrial Area, and journalists are welcome to verify this," Sakaja stated.

Clarifying the One Million Chapatis Figure

Governor Sakaja addressed previous statements suggesting Nairobi could produce one million chapatis daily. He clarified that this figure represented the potential demand from the approximately 300,000 children enrolled in the feeding programme, each consuming about three chapatis on average, rather than the actual daily output.

"If you multiply 300,000 children by three chapatis each, you get roughly one million. This does not mean all are served simultaneously; meal distribution varies by region," he explained.

Affordable School Meals and Expansion Plans

The feeding programme allows children to access nutritious meals at a subsidized rate of just KSh 5 per lunch. Unique wristbands are issued to pupils to verify their identity before they "tap to eat." Sakaja emphasized the programme’s positive reception among children and families, particularly those in informal settlements.

Looking ahead, the Nairobi County government plans to extend the feeding scheme to day secondary schools. Currently, the programme covers Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and primary schools up to Grade 9. Sakaja noted that many students advancing to Grade 10 have expressed hunger concerns, underscoring the need for expansion.

"Food costs account for nearly 65% of expenses in day secondary schools. By providing meals, we can significantly reduce the financial burden on families," the governor said.

Healthcare Improvements Under Sakaja’s Administration

In addition to the feeding programme, Sakaja highlighted advancements in healthcare services at county hospitals such as Pumwani Maternity Hospital and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. He noted a decline in medical negligence cases and an increase in patient transfers from private facilities to county hospitals.

"When I assumed office, Nairobi had no Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Today, we have 43 ICU units across county health facilities, all equipped with adequate medicine and equipment," Sakaja added.