Kisumu County is poised to revolutionize 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 Mr. Bovince Ochieng’, the Chief Officer for Education, Technical Training, Innovation, and Social Services, the county is committed to creating a supportive environment for children in its ECD centers. A dedicated committee is working diligently to finalize the regulations that will guide the Act’s implementation in 2025.
Speaking at the County Early Childhood Education Committee (CECEC) quarterly meeting, Mr. Ochieng’ emphasized 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.
Mrs. Wilikister Odera, the Director of ECD, highlighted key aspects of the Act, including monthly growth monitoring, health recordkeeping, nutritionist involvement, and child-centered 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 centers. 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 Centers 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, 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.
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.