- Kisumu County has moved to implement the ECD Act 2023, with a dedicated committee finalising regulations ahead of the planned rollout in 2025.
- The county has constructed1,000 ECD classrooms and has employed 700 trained teachers, with 100 more in the pipeline.
- Officials have announced plans to establish a county quality assurance and standards directorate, alongside daycare facilities supporting teenage mothers in Vocational Training Centres.
Kisumu County is poised to revolutionise early childhood education with the imminent implementation of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Act 2023.
The Act, designed to ensure a comprehensive and nurturing upbringing for children, is currently undergoing final regulatory processes.
According to Chief Officer for Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services, Mr Bovince Ochieng’, the county is committed to creating a supportive environment for children in its ECD centres. A dedicated committee is working diligently to finalise the regulations that will guide the Act’s implementation in 2025.
Speaking at the County Early Childhood Education Committee (CECEC) quarterly meeting, Mr Ochieng’ emphasised the Act’s focus on promoting child health, nutrition and responsive caregiving. He also called for the committee to meet more frequently, aligning with the school calendar to ensure effective oversight. Ochieng’ expressed similar praise for the multisectoral network and departmental teams working tirelessly to champion child care and protection, affirming that securing the early years of a child requires an integrated framework that connects classroom instruction with community health, nutrition and child protection services.
The County Executive Committee Member for Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services, Mr John Awiti, applauded the committee and its partners for their commendable work on the ground. He emphasised that Early Childhood Development and Education remains a top priority for the county government led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o. Mr Awiti observed that while substantial gains have been realised, continuous dedication is essential to ensure every child has access to adequate infrastructure, qualified teachers, well-equipped play areas and consistent nutritional support.
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Delivering the status report, Director for Early Childhood Education Madam Wilkister Odera outlined key operational successes, ongoing initiatives and structural priorities across the sub-counties. Odera highlighted key aspects of the Act, including monthly growth monitoring, health recordkeeping, nutritionist involvement and child-centred teaching methods. She also announced plans to establish a county quality assurance and standards directorate.
To further enhance early childhood education, the department is exploring best practices from other regions for developing age-friendly ECD centres. Significant progress has already been made, with the construction of 1,000 classrooms, the employment of 700 trained teachers, with 100 more in the pipeline, and the establishment of daycare facilities in county-run Vocational Training Centres to support teenage mothers.
The CECEC, a multi-sectoral platform, brings together representatives from various county departments, including health, finance, water, agriculture and social services. Other key stakeholders, such as the Office of the County Commissioner, the Teachers Service Commission and partners like Catholic Relief Services, the National Council of Churches of Kenya and SOS Children’s Villages, are also actively involved in the committee.
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The implementation of the ECD Act 2023 marks a significant step forward for Kisumu County in providing a nurturing and holistic environment for its youngest citizens.
By Fredrick Odiero
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