By Cally Imbayi
Kakamega county government has rolled out the distribution of furniture to 266 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers in the county.
Speaking during the launch of the program on 13th July 2021, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said the his government had invested heavily in the education sector leading to increase in enrolment of ECDE learners from 3,000 in 2013 to 124,000 in 2021.
“My government has identified specific county polytechnics to produce furniture for the 266 ECDE centers at a cost of Ksh 54.5 million. This will ensure that our children are comfortable during class lessons,” said Oparanya.
He noted that Ksh 450 million has been used to construct 266 ECDE centers across the county and added that the county has partnered with Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) to produce and supply teaching and learning materials to the ECDE centers and county polytechnics.
He also stated that the county is in the process of developing a Scheme of Service for teachers in ECDE and County Polytechnics to improve on their remuneration.
“We have employed over 1,900 ECDE teachers and we are in the process of recruiting more. Their salaries have been reviewed and now the least paid teacher will earn Ksh 16,000 up from Ksh 8, 000,” he said.
The county chief decried the low enrolment of learners in polytechnics despite the county government paying fees for learners.
He asked parents to enroll their children in county polytechnics to gain artisan skills and knowledge saying learning in the institutions is free.
The governor revealed that the county government has invested Ksh 860 million in educational infrastructure development for both primary and secondary schools.
“My government’s support to primary schools has resulted in the county emerging the top in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination results for five years consecutively. I challenge secondary schools to emulate their primary counterparts in academic performance in national examinations,” he said.
County Executive Committee Member for Education, Science and Technology Dr George Lutomia said rolling out of the furniture distribution program will address the challenge of lack of furniture in the centers.
He said the county procured 23,000 chairs and 3,000 tables for the young learners.
He added that the county will construct more ECDE centers adding that the ministry’s target was to ensure that all public primary schools have a modern ECDE centre.
County Secretary and Head of Public Service Madam Jacinta Aluoch, CECMs, Chief Officers, MCAs among other senior officers were present
