Deputy President William Ruto has cautioned teachers from sending students away from school, insisting that lack of money for lunch should not be a big issue.
The government is currently paying for money in primary schools and tuition fee in secondary schools, a programme that has been in place for years.
Speaking in Kimilili on Monday, Dr Ruto urged school heads to ensure all children gets access to free primary education without necessarily being sent away from school.
The DP recalled days he used to miss launch in school due to abject poverty, adding that he never gave up in life until he managed to be deputy president.
"The son to President, speaker, deputy president, and a peasant farmer will all be equal if they all go to school. That is where we shall get the equity," he said.
"These children will be somewhere in future. You cannot chase away students from school on grounds that they have not paid lunch money. I also went to school without lunch but I am now the DP."
Dr Ruto thrilled the crowd when he said that he used to carry roast maize to school during his times due to harsh economic situation at home.
After completing his studies in the University of Nairobi, Dr Ruto joined politics. He managed to win Eldoret North constituency seat and rose ranks to be minister.
He is currently one of from runners in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022. He has put in place a formidable campaign ahead of the polls.