The decision follows a video circulating online showing children struggling to repeat Hindu prayers while teachers held food for them.
County Commissioner Josphat Kibiwott confirmed that the food program has been stopped in 17 schools, including 16 primary schools and one high school.
“Assistance to children should never come with conditions that compromise their beliefs. We will investigate this matter fully,” said Kibiwott.
According to the commissioner, the food program has been running in schools since 2019 without any such practices.
However, changes were reportedly introduced this term, requiring students to participate in religious recitations from the donors’ faith.
These new measures were allegedly discussed in a meeting held in Mombasa earlier this year.
The video shows pupils sitting as they repeated words written on boards, with some head teachers actively supervising the exercise.
In one school, portraits connected to a religious foundation were visible in the staffroom, suggesting that the meals’ distribution was tied to religious influence.
The incident has sparked concern among child rights advocates.
The Elimu Bora Working Group strongly condemned the practice, saying, “No child should be forced to compromise their beliefs to access food or education.
Schools must provide support without bias or pressure.”
Following the suspension, authorities are exploring alternative ways to provide meals to students while protecting their freedom of belief.
Parents and local leaders have expressed frustration, demanding stricter monitoring of programs run by external organizations.
The case has also ignited public discussion about the role of donor groups in schools.
Experts say that while assistance is welcome, it must respect the values and rights of students.
Coercive practices, they argue, risk harming children emotionally and socially and violate basic ethical standards.
Kilifi officials have pledged to complete their investigations quickly and ensure that all school food programs operate fairly and without religious influence.
