𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐂𝐃𝐄 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟗𝟕 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬

𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐂𝐃𝐄 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟗𝟕 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬

Busia County has constructed 97 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms under the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) in a major push to strengthen early learning infrastructure and improve access to quality education for young learners.

Governor Paul Otuoma commissioned one of the newly completed classrooms at Butula Boys Primary School in Butula Sub- County on Friday, describing the project as a transformative milestone in providing a conducive and dignified learning environment for children across the county.

“This is a significant step in strengthening foundational education for the 47,224 ECDE learners currently enrolled in public centres across Busia. We are determined to ensure that every child begins their academic journey in a safe, comfortable and dignified classroom,” said Otuoma.

The Governor noted that despite the progress made, the county still faces a substantial classroom deficit. Based on an average class size of 50 learners, Busia requires nearly 1,000 ECDE classrooms to adequately accommodate all enrolled children.

“If we consider an average of 50 learners per class, we need almost 1,000 classrooms to meet the current demand. With 460 classrooms in place, we are not yet halfway there. That is why we are prioritizing the construction of additional ECDE classrooms,” he explained.

Otuoma emphasized the critical role of early childhood education in shaping a child’s future, citing research indicating that between 85 and 90 per cent of brain development occurs before the age of six. He said investing in quality infrastructure and adequate learning materials is essential to maximizing children’s cognitive and intellectual potential.

“Quality classrooms, trained teachers and proper learning materials are key to unlocking the full potential of our children. In the 2025/2026 Financial Year, the county has prioritized the construction of an additional 67 ECDE classrooms to help bridge the existing gap,” he added.

The Governor further highlighted the long-term social and economic benefits of investing in early childhood development. He observed that increased funding in ECDE contributes to reduced crime rates, improved employability and stronger local economies over time.

“Every 10 per cent investment in ECDE yields significant social and economic returns. Education remains the great equalizer, and by expanding ECDE infrastructure, we are ensuring that children in rural villages have the same educational foundation as those in major urban centres,” he stated.

Butula Sub- County Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Ng’eny echoed the Governor’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of laying a strong educational foundation at an early age.

“The foundation a child receives at the ECDE level greatly influences their future life and development. By investing in children and providing better learning environments, we are building a stronger and more prosperous nation,” said Ng’eny.

The commissioning of the 97 classrooms is expected to ease congestion in ECDE centres across Busia County and enhance access to quality early learning, particularly in rural and underserved areas.