Education
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi on Monday launched 109 newly constructed Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres, during a function at Gitiha ECDE centre, Githiga Ward, Githunguri Sub-County.
The new facilities are part of an ongoing effort by the County government to modernize 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.
Governor Wamtangi with Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika, Chief Officer for ECDE and Culture Dr. Mercy Njagi and ECDE teachers at the new ECDE Model centre at Gitiha, Githiga Ward on Monday October 14, 2024.
“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.
Area MCA Ruth Waithera commended the governor for prioritizing education, emphasizing that Gitiha ECDE Centre was the first of its kind in the area. She expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance early childhood education standards in Githiga Ward.
Group Managing Director and CEO of County Pension Fund (CPF) Financial Services Dr. Hosea Kili made a significant contribution to the cause by donating 2,100 chairs, 700 tables, and issued a cheque worth Sh2, 314, 849 to support the ECDE pupils. He urged the county government to enroll all its employees into the CPF, noting that out of 6,492 county employees, only 2,640 were currently registered.
The modern ECDE centres boast state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms for PP1 and PP2, administrative offices, separate toilets for teachers and children, and well-equipped play areas with tunnels, swings, and sandpits. To further enhance the pupils’ welfare, the centers will offer porridge daily, with eggs provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, along with milk through the “Kiambu ECDE Milk” initiative.
The completion of the centers is part of the county’s broader efforts to improve early childhood education infrastructure and ensure more children have access to these essential services.