West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has unveiled a comprehensive relief initiative targeting learners in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centres across the county.
The programme which saw the distribution of ten tonnes of fortified porridge flour to over 7,400 children in 1,194 ECDE centers part of a wider effort to combat malnutrition, strengthen classroom attendance, and foster cognitive development.
The initiative, driven by the county’s commitment to safeguarding the foundational years of learning, also includes the distribution of 2,350 classroom chairs and 30 tables to boost learning infrastructure.
The relief response extends to emergency food supplies including maize and beans for vulnerable communities in Suam, Lower Riwo, Tapach, and Chepareria wards, which have been severely affected by climate-induced disasters such as crop failure, floods, and landslides.
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Governor Kachapin speaking during the handing over of the goods, emphasized the need for long-term investment in education resilience, noting that “this is not a one-term intervention we are building a future where no child is left behind due to hunger or poor learning conditions.” He called for transparency and community collaboration in the distribution process to ensure that support reaches those most in need.
In addition to addressing immediate nutritional needs, the County Government is rolling out irrigation projects to support farmers in arid regions, aligning food security with education development. Vulnerable groups including displaced persons, police reservists in border areas, and families requiring shelter are also part of the relief matrix.
Deputy Governor Robert Komolle underscored the strategic importance of nourishing young learners, stating that fortified porridge will not only boost school enrollment but also improve retention and transitions across learning levels. “Strong foundations lead to lifelong learning,” he said.
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County Executive Committee Member for Education, Rebecca Kide, praised the governor’s vision, saying that fortified meals at the ECDE level will have a lasting impact on learners’ health and academic readiness. “This initiative is a statement of intent that the future of West Pokot begins with the children in our ECDE classrooms,” she remarked. She also lauded the County Assembly for their collaborative role in supporting education priorities.
Nominated MCA Elijah Kaseuseu added that the porridge distribution is a step toward supporting brain development during the early years, and commended the governor’s leadership in improving ECDE teacher welfare through better pay and career advancement.
Meanwhile, Martin Lotee, CECM for Public Service Management, ICT, and Devolved Units, confirmed that relief distribution would be completed within two days in the worst-hit areas, ensuring no delay in meeting urgent needs.
By Masaki Enock
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