Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa’s administration is stepping up investment in early childhood education with the development of 62 modern ECDE centres across the county.
photo|Khulili ECDE
The projects, which will comprise 124 classrooms, are aimed at bringing quality early childhood education closer to communities while providing young learners with safer and more conducive learning environments.One of the latest investments is the Ikhulili ECDE Centre in Idakho South Ward, Ikolomani Sub-County.
The new centre has two classrooms, a teachers’ office, a kitchen, a water tank and sanitation facilities, giving learners and teachers access to essential amenities within the institution.Governor Barasa has emphasised the importance of investing in early childhood education as part of efforts to build a strong foundation for the county’s future generations.According to the Governor, the construction of modern ECDE centres is intended to ensure that children do not have to travel long distances to access quality early learning facilities.
The county government says the 62 centres are part of a wider strategy to strengthen education infrastructure at the grassroots level and improve the learning environment for children across Kakamega.The projects are also expected to ease pressure on existing ECDE facilities, particularly in areas where growing populations have increased demand for classrooms and other basic amenities.
At Ikhulili, the provision of water and sanitation facilities is expected to improve hygiene and create a healthier environment for young learners. The teachers’ office and kitchen will also support the effective running of the centre.
Photo|Governor Fernandes Barasa.
Early childhood education is considered an important stage in a child’s development, helping learners acquire foundational academic, social and emotional skills before transitioning to primary school.Barasa’s administration has therefore positioned investment in ECDE infrastructure as an important component of its education agenda, with the county seeking to improve facilities from the earliest stages of learning.
The 124 classrooms being delivered through the programme are expected to benefit children in different parts of Kakamega, while the additional facilities will help improve the overall learning experience.The Ikhulili ECDE Centre now stands as one of the projects through which the county government is seeking to translate its education investment agenda into facilities that directly benefit local communities.
With more centres under development, the programme is expected to continue expanding access to early childhood education and laying stronger foundations for the next generation of Kakamega learners.