By Stephanie Peris
The Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili earlier today flagged off 2112 bags of food set for distribution in all public Early Childhood Development Centers ( ECDC) across Kisumu.
County Government led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, has taken the bold step towards
feeding program in a move aimed at reducing the burden of feeding young children in public ECD centres at a cost of 14 million shillings.
The deputy Governor lauded the move as a step in the right direction in achieving universal access to early childhood education.
Dr. Owili Owili echoed the Governor’s agenda in supporting ECD centres to ensure that all children have access to quality education,
regardless of their social or economic backgrounds.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of early childhood education in the development of our children. Other than building and equipping ECD Centres, we are ensuring that at least everyday they have a meal to help them develop and learn.”
As a devolved function, it is the responsibility as the county government to
ensure that all ECD children have access to quality education, starting from the very early stages in life.
The Deputy Governor added that the donation of rice was part of the county government’s efforts to ease the burden of feeding young children in public ECD centres and to ensure that all children receive adequate nutrition
to support their growth and development.
He further noted that the county government had invested heavily in the construction and renovation of ECD centres across the county, with the aim of providing conducive learning environments for the pupils.
“We have constructed and renovated several ECD centres across the county, and we are committed to ensuring that all children have access to quality learning environments that are safe, stimulating and supportive of their overall development.” he added
Seme sub-county would get 16000kg in 327
bags and will be distributed at Diemo Primary. Kisumu West sub-county will receive 12000kg in 247 bags that will be distributed from Kanyamedha Primary. Kisumu East sub-county will get 10000kg in 207 bags distributed from Nyamasaria Primary.Muhoroni sub-county will receive 22800kg in 463 bags distributed at Nyang’oma Primary. Nyando sub county will receive 10000kg in 207 bags distributed from Karanda Primary. Nyakach , Kisumu Central and Kadibor will receive 16000, 7000 and 9000kg of rice respectively.
The distribution of food staff is a clear demonstration of the County Government’s commitment to improving access to quality education for all children in Kisumu and
step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The donation is expected to benefit over 50,000 pupils in public ECD centres in the county.
Speaking on the proposed Finance bill 2023, the Deputy Governor called on the national assembly to consider re- looking into the bill so that the country can have a bill that has Kenya’s interest at heart.
The CEC Member for Education Mr. John Owiti reaffirmed the department’s commitment in equipping the centres and providing the feeding program to ensure retention of the pupils in the schools.”we look forward to more partnerships that will help us achieve our goal of providingquality education to all children”. Says Mr. Owiti.
The Deputy Governor was also flanked by CEC members, Farida Salim of Tourism and Mr. Salmon Orimba of Roads and Public works among other County officials.
