Fredrick Odiero
Kisumu County Government has laid more emphasis on early childhood development and in that breath the county government intends to establish full-fledged ECDE centers in every institution across the County.
Recently in partnership with UNICEF and other associates the County government launched a model early childhood development (ECD) centre complete with a breastfeeding room.
The Centre dubbed “Dots & Rocks” is a brainchild of Dorothy Nyong’o, the wife to Kisumu County governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o.
During the function Kisumu first lady Mrs. Nyong’o was feted for her tireless efforts towards early childhood development in Kisumu County.
Mrs. Nyong’o also donated Dholuo translated Sulwe books written by Lupita Nyong’o which will serve all 674 public ECD centers within the County.
The books which entail stories of discrimination on skin colour will make the children feel comfortable and build their self -esteem.
Speaking during the launch governor Nyong’o said the model ECD centers will be rolled out in every institution across the county.
“I’m pleased to be here today as we launch this model ECD centre which is the first of its kind in our County. These kind of centers should be spread to all institutions so that we can be able to have ECD services closer to our people owing to the high cost of taking children to the centers far from their homes where the mothers my even not be familiar with the care givers.” said Nyong’o.
Likewise the governor also launched a county nutrition master plan saying the center which has a breastfeeding wing will be used by mothers who work and have no time to take care of their young ones.
Nyong’o said this model that would basically help improve the children’s health is expected to be rolled out to markets such as Jubilee and many others.
The governor said Kisumu has over the years witnessed high infant mortality rates due to poor nutrition among the children adding that breast feeding among children is one of the most vital components in children’s development.
Nyong’o commended UNICEF and other partners for supporting the programme.
The head of nutrition at UNICEF Mr. Patrick Koja said nutrition and development of a child are intertwined.
“Many children suffer from nutrition hence the importance of the ECD with a nutritionist on standby.” He stated
The programme officer at UNICEF Susan Jobando commended the Kisumu county government for the noble gesture.
She said that breastfeeding, nutrition and education are very critical areas in the development of a child.
The official said it was important to note that children should absolutely be breast fed for at least 6 months after birth to enable them grow better.
“Many women who work find it difficult and unsafe to leave their children in the hands of people they don’t trust and so ECD and breastfeeding areas in different institutions will bridge that gap.
A nutritionist attached to the new model ECD Ms. Rachel Mwonda said good nutrition is important for the growth of a child from birth up to the age of 5 years.
The head of ECD at the Kisumu County government Ms. Pamela Onyango said the model facility will be a role model for as other sub counties are roped in.
Siaya County First lady Roselia Rasanga who was in attendant said with other stakeholders, they were driving a movement to fight underdevelopment amongst children.
“Let me believe that this model is going to be replicated in other parts of this county. In Siaya we’ve created many spaces for the children by providing the necessary facilities,” Mrs. Rasanga said.
She stated that children are critical within the first 1000 days upon birth and that Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed for at least seven months in order to ensure they reach their full potential.
Recently the government dispatched assorted learning materials and foodstuffs worth Sh42 Million to go to the ECD centers across the 7 sub-counties in Kisumu.
The learning materials worth Sh25million and foodstuff comprising of rice and cooking oil at the coast of Sh17 million went towards feeding ECD learners in the public ECD centers.
The learning materials and the foodstuffs are essential in meeting the county’s Consistent and assured commitment in supporting Early Childhood education in Kisumu.
Durng the flag off, Deputy governor Dr. Mathew Owili affirmed the county government’s responsibility to ensure quality education and accessibility to the children adding that the initiative will a go long way in improving the children’s learning and performance in school.
He said the county department of education is able to disburse the materials and foodstuffs strategically based on the need for interventions to the
overall ECD program.
‘Kisumu county set up a sustainable county ECD feeding program that started in 2015, to encourage enrollment and facilitate school retention, a program that supports and benefits 673 centers with a total enrollment of 51,408 pupils of whom 25,266 are girls and 26142 are boys.’ He said.
Currently, there are 673 ECD centers of which 660 are anchored in primary schools and 13 are
stand-alone public ECD centers.
The school feeding program plays a key role in helping children realize their potential both for themselves and for their community. This is anchored in the Early Childhood Education Act 2021 that outlines the involvement of the county governments in terms of health and rights to early childhood education.
According to Early Childhood Development (ECD) network National Coordinator Dr. Teresa Mwoma, globally, over 250 million children under age five are at risk of not reaching their full developmental potential due to lack of proper nurture and care.
Speaking during the opening of the 4th ECD stakeholders’ conference at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University in Siaya County, Dr Mwoma called for a change in ECD policy at both national and county government levels in order to prioritize care for children at their formative age
