Why all county governments should pay more attention to ECDE

A child’s first experience in school shapes their entire perception of education. The image that greets them on their first day in nursery school is permanently etched in their memory, influencing their attitude towards learning for years to come.

Now, picture a child reporting to school for the first time, only to find themselves in a dilapidated structure. Such an environment can breed a deep-seated aversion to school, making learning seem like a burden rather than an exciting journey.

It is, therefore, imperative that we provide our young learners with proper facilities that will nurture their development and instill a love for education from the outset.

Research consistently highlights that the experiences and skills acquired in the early years form the bedrock of a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. As a devolved function, county governments bear the solemn responsibility of ensuring that the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) sector is adequately resourced.

This obligation is not merely an administrative duty but also a moral imperative to invest in the future of our children and our nation.

Globally, nations that prioritise early education reap immense benefits in their education systems and overall human capital development.

Academic powerhouses like Finland and Germany have set exemplary standards in early childhood education, demonstrating that a strong foundation in the formative years translates into long-term academic and professional success.

If Kenya aspires to compete on the global stage, we must follow suit and prioritise ECDE as a cornerstone of our education system.

Driven by this realisation, I have made ECDE a top priority in Kiambu County. By doing so, we are investing in the future of our county, our country, and the world.

As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We believe this is the path we must follow. Guided by this belief, my administration has taken bold steps to ensure our children receive the best possible start in their educational journey.

To this end, my administration has completed 247 brand-new ECDE centres in just two years, each designed with the future in mind. This construction initiative is part of our broader strategy to transform all 524 ECDE centres across the county by June next year.

We have not stopped there. My administration has also implemented a comprehensive free feeding programme in all ECDE learning centres. Every child receives a bowl of fortified uji daily, two eggs per week, and a packet of milk every Thursday.

Since the launch of this programme, enrollment has surged from 32,000 to 39,600 children, demonstrating its effectiveness in attracting and retaining young learners. This programme has created economic empowerment opportunities for our people.

We have supported women entrepreneurs by providing them with improved Kienyeji chicks, enabling them to rear chickens and supply eggs to our ECDE centres. Many women are already reaping the financial benefits of this programme, demonstrating how strategic investments in education can simultaneously uplift livelihoods.

With increased enrolment comes the need for more qualified educators. That is why my administration is committed to facilitating all ECDE teachers aquire diploma certificates and hiring more to enhance the quality of ECDE instruction.

We have also introduced an intensive capacity-building programme for ECDE teachers, covering crucial areas such as curriculum development, mental health, financial management, public health education, and team building.

By equipping our teachers with the skills and knowledge they need, we ensure that they not only educate but also inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Education is the foundation upon which a prosperous society is built, and I would, therefore, urge my fellow governors to prioritise this sector. Only then can we truly say we are investing in the future of our nation.