County unveils 109 new ECDE centres to build up early childhood education

SYLVIA WANJOHI- KNA 

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has launched 109 newly constructed Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers during an event at the Gitiha ECDE center in Githiga Ward, Githunguri Sub-County.

The new facilities are part of an ongoing effort by the county government to modernize all 524 public ECDE centers. Speaking in Githunguri, Wamatangi noted the positive impact of the county’s ECDE initiative, highlighting that the number of children in school has surged from 2,000 to 8,000. 

He announced that starting in January 2025, parents of ECDE pupils would no longer need to purchase exercise books and school uniforms for their children, as the county government would provide these items. 

Wamatangi further revealed that an additional 138 ECDE projects are currently underway and are expected to 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,” Wamatangi said. 

Chief Officer for ECDE and Culture, Dr. Mercy Njagi, revealed that 61 pupils have already enrolled for January 2025 at the newly launched Gitiha Center. She noted that the 61 pupils would also receive free school shoes courtesy of a partnership with BATA shoes company, Kenya.