- Governor Simba Arati has pledged to establish model ECDE classrooms in all 45 wards across Kisii County.
- The initiative aims to improve early childhood learning through modern facilities and better learning environments.
- The programme is backed by increased funding for education, school feeding and vocational training.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening early childhood education, saying his focus remains on laying a strong educational foundation for young learners across the county.
Speaking at Riangabi ECDE Centre in Nyaribari Chache Constituency during an inspection tour of county projects, Arati said he would not be distracted from delivering development programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents.
The governor commended Ibeno Ward MCA Steve Arika for spearheading the construction of a modern classroom at Riangabi ECDE Centre with support from the county government.
Arati described the facility as a model for what ECDE centres across Kisii County should look like.
The classroom includes resting rooms for learners, a digital computer room, modern furniture and learning materials designed to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment.
“This is the standard we want to see in all our ECDE centres. Our children deserve quality facilities that support their growth and learning,” said Arati.
Expansion to all wards
The governor announced that his administration plans to construct one model ECDE classroom in each of the county’s 45 wards.
The classrooms will be designed with adequate lighting, ventilation and furniture to create conducive learning environments.
The project is expected to begin during the current financial year and will be implemented in phases, with priority given to areas facing the greatest infrastructure challenges.
School feeding and learner welfare
Arati also highlighted the county’s ongoing milk programme for ECDE learners, describing it as a key intervention aimed at improving nutrition, school attendance and classroom concentration.
“You cannot expect a hungry child to learn well. The milk programme is about giving our youngest learners a fair start,” he said.
He added that quality education goes beyond infrastructure and includes trained teachers, adequate learning materials, access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities.
The governor’s remarks are consistent with the 2026/2027 budget approved by the Kisii County Assembly.
The KSh22 billion budget allocates KSh1.385 billion to the Education, Technical Training and Innovation sector.
The allocation will support the construction of ECDE classrooms, the equipping of Vocational Training Centres and bursary programmes.
The county has also set aside KSh315 million for bursaries and KSh150 million for a school feeding programme targeting learners from PP1 to Grade Two.
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In addition, the Department of Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation received KSh5.666 billion, the largest allocation among the social sectors, to strengthen health services and improve healthcare infrastructure across the county.
By Enock Okong’o
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