Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir has criticised Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa's move to ban the annual free lunch programme for students sitting for their National examinations in Mombasa County.
In a statement sent to newsrooms on Tuesday, the legislator said the move underscores the insensitivity of the Jubilee Government towards the welfare of our candidates.
"It is hurtful to note that the regional coordinator has taken an unprecedented step to casually ban the 8th annual free lunch programme dubbed “My Mvita Lunch” for KCPE candidates in Mvita Constituency," read the statement in part.
The MP also faulted Marwa for intimidating school heads who receive the lunch, by threatening them of dire consequences.
“More than 2,973 candidates from 70 schools and 605 exam officials in Mvita constituency whose lunch we had prepared have been affected by the decision to ban on lunch from well-wishers to schools. We are afraid most of these had no alternative arrangements and have been forced to sit for their exams on an empty stomach,” said Nassir.
He said they are yet to understand the motive behind the 'selfish' move which cost them Sh3 million in purchases and logistics, but vowed to continue motivating pupils to perform better through other avenues and development projects.