Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi on Monday launched 109 newly constructed Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres during a function at the Gitiha ECDE centre, Githiga Ward, Githunguri Sub-County.
The new facilities are part of an ongoing effort by the county government to modernise all 524 public ECDE centres.
Speaking in Githunguri, Wamatangi observed the impact of the county’s ongoing ECDE initiative, noting that the number of children in school has surged from 2,000 to 8,000.
He announced that from January 2025, parents of ECDE pupils would no longer need to buy exercise books and school uniforms for their children, as the county government would provide them.
Wamatangi further announced that an additional 138 ECDE projects were underway and would be completed in the next two months.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child in Kiambu has access to quality early education. An additional 138 ECDE projects are currently underway, and I am pleased to announce that they will be completed in the next two months,” said Wamatangi.
Chief Officer for ECDE and Culture Dr. Mercy Njagi revealed that 61 pupils have already enrolled for January 2025 at the newly launched Gitiha Centre.
She noted that the 61 pupils would also receive free school shoes courtesy of a partnership with BATA Shoes Company, Kenya.
Dr. Njagi further announced that the county government has promised to recruit 250 ECDE teachers in January to cater for the increasing enrolment in the county’s schools.
“To meet the growing demand for quality early childhood education, we will be recruiting 250 ECDE teachers by January. This move will ensure that our schools are well-staffed, providing the support needed to nurture our young learners across Kiambu County,” Njagi said.
