Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata has added chapati to hospital meals twice a week for inpatients at Level 4 and 5 facilities, including the main referral hospital. The move, announced in early January 2026, aims to improve nutrition for patients over the next five months.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro also launched a similar effort, providing chapati once a week in day school lunches. Kang’ata paired his plan with a pilot to give one packet of wheat flour weekly to parents of ECDE children. While some residents welcome the variety, nutrition experts question if refined carbs like chapati truly help healing.
The governor made the announcement during a routine county update. He said the chapati addition fulfils a promise from his campaign. Basic hospital food often includes ugali, beans, or rice. Adding chapati brings a familiar touch that could lift spirits.
The programme covers sub-county hospitals too. Staff will serve it on set days to keep things simple. Funding comes from county budgets, with no extra cost to patients.
Ndindi Nyoro’s initiative focuses on schools in his Kiharu constituency. He cut fees and added meals before. Now chapati joins githeri or rice once weekly. Parents in the area say it helps kids stay full longer. The MP shared photos from a school visit where students lined up for the new menu. His office said the change reaches thousands of learners.
Kang’ata’s wheat flour pilot starts mid-week. ECDE parents collect one packet at centres. It helps families make chapati or porridge at home. The governor called it a way to support early education. Murang’a faces food security issues like many rural counties. These steps aim to ease burdens on low-income homes.
Residents shared mixed views online. Some praised the leaders for practical help. “Finally, something we can see and eat,” one Facebook comment read. Others worried about health effects. Nutritionist Lucy Chege spoke to local media.
She said chapati from refined flour raises blood sugar fast. For patients with diabetes or hypertension, it might not suit. Dr Maina Kuria agreed. He said hospitals need balanced diets with veggies and proteins. Sceptics online called it a short-term fix that ignores long-term needs.
The programmes come as Kenya deals with rising food prices. Inflation hit staples like flour hard in 2025. Government subsidies help some, but local efforts fill gaps. Murang’a leads in such ideas. Past projects include milk for schools and seeds for farmers.
No timeline yet for expanding beyond five months. Kang’ata said feedback will guide next steps. Nyoro plans to monitor exam results tied to better feeding.
These moves highlight the leader’s focus on basics. In Murang’a, where farming dominates, nutrition links to work and school success. Parents hope for lasting impact.
Critics ask for more. They want full meal plans, not just add-ons. Health workers say training on diets matters too. For now, the changes roll out. Patients and students get the benefits soon. Leaders watch for a response.
