- Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has commissioned the Mwangoni ECDE Centre in Puma Ward to expand access to quality early learning.
- The county says continued investment in classrooms, teachers and learning materials is strengthening foundational education.
- Residents have welcomed the project, saying it will improve enrolment and reduce the distance children travel to school.
Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has commissioned the newly constructed Mwangoni Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Centre in Puma Ward, Kinango Sub-county, in a move aimed at expanding access to quality early learning and improving education outcomes across the county.
The facility is part of the county government’s ongoing investment in early childhood education, which has seen the construction of more than 562 ECDE centres and the employment of over 949 teachers to strengthen foundational learning.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Achani said early childhood education remains the cornerstone of a child’s academic journey, adding that the county is committed to providing safe, modern and child-friendly learning environments.
“Every child deserves a safe, comfortable and inspiring place to begin their education. By investing in ECDE centres, we are laying a strong foundation for the future of our children and building a more educated and prosperous Kwale County,” she said.
ECDE learners at the newly commissioned Mwangoni ECDE Centre in Puma Ward.
Achani noted that improved classrooms, adequate learning materials and qualified teachers are key to enhancing enrolment, retention and learning outcomes among young learners.
County reaffirms commitment to ECDE
Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo said education remains at the heart of the county government’s development agenda, describing it as one of the most effective tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for future generations.
He said sustained investment in education is helping transform lives by ensuring children have access to quality learning from an early age.
Kombo noted that before the advent of devolution, many families in Kwale struggled to educate their children because of widespread poverty and inadequate learning infrastructure.
He said limited public investment in early childhood education forced many children to either start school late or miss out on education altogether.
Kombo said the establishment of modern ECDE centres across the county has brought learning closer to communities, reducing the distance children travel to school while providing safe and child-friendly classrooms.
According to Kombo, the improved facilities are encouraging more parents to enrol their children in school at the right age, laying a stronger foundation for academic success.
“Before devolution, many families lived in poverty, making it difficult for parents to take their children to school. Today, because of devolution, we are proud that children across Kwale have greater access to education. Our commitment is to continue investing in schools and ensure every child, regardless of where they live, has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed,” Kombo said.
Puma Ward MCA James Dawa welcomed the project, saying the new ECDE centre will improve access to quality early childhood education for children from Mwangoni and neighbouring villages while providing a conducive environment for learning.
READ ALSO: MoE should develop a clear funding formula to ensure proper school participation in sports
“This project demonstrates the county government’s commitment to ensuring that our children learn in a dignified environment. We appreciate Governor Achani for fulfilling her promise to improve education infrastructure in Puma Ward,” he said.
Resident Mkyamari Elisha said the facility will save young children from walking long distances to access pre-primary education and is expected to encourage more parents to enrol their children in school at the recommended age.
By Shaban Omar
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
