Prioritise ECD, Lusaka urges Governors, stakeholders
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged for greater investment and concerted efforts to enhance Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, underscoring their critical role in laying a solid educational foundation for Kenyan children.
Speaking at a high-level workshop on early childhood development in Mombasa, Lusaka highlighted the transformative power of ECD in shaping Kenya’s future.
He stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration to deliver quality education, health services, and holistic care to young learners.
Addressing an audience of Lake Region governors, education CECs, policymakers, educators, and child development experts, the governor remarked that: “Investing in our children during their formative years is not just a moral duty but a fundamental step toward building a strong, productive, and equitable society. Early childhood development directly impacts the skills, resilience, and abilities of our future leaders.”
Governor Lusaka laid out a comprehensive strategy to improve ECD services across Bungoma and other counties.
This strategy centres on infrastructure development, enhanced teacher training, and comprehensive child health and nutrition programs.
He pointed to several challenges that must be urgently addressed, including inadequate facilities, undertrained staff, and poor health outcomes among young children.
“Bungoma has been a trailblazer in ECD reforms, and we are committed to maintaining our leadership,” Lusaka noted, outlining key achievements such as the employment of ECD teachers, the establishment of modern facilities, partnerships with NGOs and private institutions to upgrade ECD centers, and ongoing professional development for early childhood educators to meet current standards.
Governor Lusaka also called on county governments to allocate more resources to early learning programs and to foster cross-county collaborations to share best practices and achieve widespread impact.
“Counties must join hands to create a cohesive network of quality ECD services nationwide. The welfare of every child, irrespective of their birthplace, should be our collective priority.”
Lusaka further called on the national government to support counties in ECD, urging for increased funding, policy support, and a shared commitment to nurturing Kenya’s youngest citizens.
The Mombasa workshop brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for holistic child development, inclusivity, and leveraging technology to enhance educational outcomes.
