Just a few years ago, early childhood education in Kiambu County was hindered by poor infrastructure and low enrolment. Many ECDE centres were dilapidated, with unsafe classrooms, inadequate sanitation, and no playgrounds.
Under the leadership of Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi, the County adopted a unique model to transform the sector. Instead of constructing single classrooms, Kiambu built complete ECDE centres, each with two spacious classrooms, an administration office, child-friendly toilets, and a secure playground.
Alongside this, the County launched Maziwa Freshi na Wamatangi, a County-wide feeding programme that provides fortified porridge daily, three eggs weekly, and a packet of milk every Thursday to all 39,600 learners in 524 ECDE centres. Local women’s groups supply eggs, boosting community incomes and ensuring sustainability.
The results are remarkable: ECDE enrolment has grown from 32,000 to 40,000 learners, attendance has improved, and children are healthier and more engaged in class. Parents report greater satisfaction, and the initiative has become a model for other Counties.
Kiambu’s success demonstrates that investing in both infrastructure and nutrition can create lasting impact, laying a strong foundation for children’s future learning and well-being.
What initiative has your County taken to improve access to quality early childhood education?
Visit https://maarifa.cog.go.ke/ to learn more about the successful initiatives on service delivery our Counties are undertaking.