The Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Chief Executive Officer, Jacques Theunissen is in Kenya to explore ways through which local farmers can supply the fast-food chain with potatoes.

This follows a public outcry early this year after it emerged that the Kenyan franchise of the American fast-food chain imports potatoes from Egypt, as local potatoes go into waste.

Today, the East Africa regional boss held a consultative forum with Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia and agreed on a framework that will see local farmers supply potatoes.

According to Governor Kimemia, KFC committed to starting the purchase of pre-booked frozen potatoes from cooperatives or organized youth groups by the end of this year.

However, Nyandarua County farmers will be required to improve their potato farming and storage practices to ensure that KFC maintains the internationally set standards.

“The County and KFC agreed to establish a joint technical committee to thrash out issues, with the next engagement expected next Wednesday,” said the Governor.

KFC and the County agreed to the creation of strong linkages with local farmers in seed multiplication and high-quality potato production to ensure the sustainability of the production.

Theunissen revealed that about 80 per cent of KFC – Kenya’s supplies come from local suppliers including chicken, vegetables, buns among others.

“The retail chain is committed and continues to support the employment of local people, especially the youth, who form the largest segment of its workforce,” he stated.

On his part, Governor Kimemia reiterated his government’s commitment to continue supporting the cooperative movement in the county to create linkages to KFC and other markets.

There was drama on Monday morning at Mlimani Primary School in Ngorika, Nyandarua County after angry parents stormed the school leading to its closure just hours after pupils reported to commence their first term.

The parents who cited poor performance, alcoholism among teachers and neglect by the government to rehabilitate the school, withdrew their children.

In a peaceful demonstration, the irate parents called on the Ministry of Education to intervene in the matter and ensure the school is in good shape before learners can resume classes

“The school is in a poor state with classrooms almost collapsing especially during this rainy season. The Ministry should address this issue lest we have a disaster in this school” said Margaret Wambui- a parent at the school.

Sentiments echoed by Ms Esther Kang’iri.

Kang’iri wondered why the government transferred teachers who were performing well in the school and their slots were taken by those she termed as lazy.

According to her, the move has contributed to the poor performance among learners in the school that used to perform well.

“The government has contributed to the fall of the school by transferring teachers and replacing them with lazy ones. In addition, the school head and his teachers are never sober while attending school hence poor management” she said.

The parents also accused the management of embezzling funds at the watch of education officials in the area calling for an inquiry on the matter.

This has seen many parents withdraw their children with only 70 learners left in the school at the moment.

Attempts to get the school head’s comment on the matter were in vain.

Uhuru Primary School in Nyandarua County had been closed temporarily after 16 pupils and 4 teachers tested positive for COVID-19, raising a red flag over mass infection risk in learning institutions.

County Minister for Health, John Mungai said samples were collected on Monday after 70 pupils visited a local dispensary with diarrhoea and sore throats issues.

“eight tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday with the number escalating by Tuesday which prompted the indefinite closure of the school,” he stated.

County Minister for Education, Ndung’u Wangenye on his part noted that the students who tested positive were stable and under home-based care.

Health and education officials have enhanced surveillance in the neighbouring schools to contain the spread. Mr Wangenye called on parents, pupils and teachers to follow the laid out protocols.