Smart Start recognises that a child cannot learn, grow, or concentrate in school when hunger and preventable illness are part of everyday life. In communities such as Kibera’s informal settlements, many children are fortunate to receive one (barely nutritious) meal a day, leaving them without the nourishment needed during the most critical stages of physical and cognitive development. Without adequate nutrition and safe living conditions, children arrive in classrooms tired, vulnerable to illness, and unable to fully engage in learning.

Smart Start is RCK’s integrated early childhood development initiative designed to break this cycle by building a strong foundation for well-being and learning. The project combines nutrition support and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions to prevent common childhood diseases and support healthy brain and body development.