Busia County has unveiled state-of-the-art Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres at St. Teresa’s Makale Primary and Lwanyange Primary Schools in Nambale Subcounty, aiming to transform early learning for children under seven.
The initiative, spearheaded by the County Government’s Department of Early Childhood Development Education and Vocational Training, was implemented in partnership with the African Inland Child and Community Agency for Development (AICCAD) and Help a Child Africa (HACA).
At the handover ceremony, Rev. Mathew Okeyo, AICCAD Director, said the goal is to ensure every child grows up in a safe and conducive learning environment.
Rachel Kigame, Country Director for HACA, pointed out that while free primary education exists, early childhood education is often neglected, with many children still learning under trees. “Our centres are different. We provide holistic support for children and parents, including skills training, income generation, and rights advocacy,” she said.
Representing the County Executive Committee Member for Education, Patricia Okello, Chief Officer for Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, said the county is committed to supporting the new centres.
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“Desks and furniture are being produced locally. Last year, we built 96 classrooms and this year we plan to construct 63 more,” she said, noting that the county’s school feeding program supports 46,000 pupils across 463 ECD centres.
The new centres feature classrooms, teacher offices, secure storage, modern kitchens, sanitation facilities, water tanks, and child-friendly play areas, departing from traditional single-classroom designs. AICCAD has completed six classrooms across three schools, and plans to expand the model countywide as resources allow.
Officials present included Chief Officer Public Service Management Pascilsa Barasa, Director Leonard Opollo, Inviolata Ndubi, James Adedi, and ECDE Coordinators Rose Ochieng, Lilian Ouma, and Milly Okina.
County officials say the investment reflects a strategic shift from just building classrooms to developing comprehensive centres that nurture children’s education, health, and overall development from an early age.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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