By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 24 June 2026 - Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) is no longer simply the first step in formal schooling but the foundation upon which children's lifelong health, learning and social wellbeing are built, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o has said.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili during the induction of 120 ECDE teachers and 25 Vocational Training Centre (VTC) trainers into the county public service, the governor described investment in early childhood education as one of the administration's most strategic interventions.
"By investing in the foundational stages of early learning and practical technical skills, we are laying the bedrock for the next socio-economic renaissance of our county," Nyong'o said.
He said the induction exercise reflected the county government's long-term commitment to nurturing children during their formative years while strengthening vocational education to produce a skilled workforce.
Nyong'o noted that quality ECDE was central to children's cognitive, emotional and social development, saying the county had deliberately prioritised the sector by expanding staffing, improving infrastructure and equipping classrooms with modern learning materials.
He recalled that after assuming office in 2017, his administration inherited acute staffing shortages in ECDE centres before converting 650 teachers from contract terms to permanent and pensionable employment in 2022.
The county has since recruited another 220 teachers, bringing the ECDE workforce to 888.
"We recognised the invaluable role these educators play in shaping the future of our children. They deserve dignity, job security and the right environment to deliver quality education," the governor said.
Speaking at the ceremony, County Executive Committee Member for Education John Awiti said the newly recruited teachers were joining a profession that forms the foundation of every child's educational journey.
"ECDE teachers are the first professional caregivers outside the home. They nurture curiosity, confidence and values that remain with children throughout life. Their contribution to child development cannot be overstated," Awiti said.
He urged the teachers to uphold professionalism, integrity and compassion while handling young learners, describing them as custodians of children's hopes and dreams.
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The county government said it now invests about KSh20 million annually in ECDE learning materials, including textbooks, exercise books, crayons and other instructional resources.
Nyong'o also highlighted ongoing digital transformation in early learning through the Tayari Digital Learning Programme, implemented in partnership with EIDU Limited, where children are being introduced to structured digital learning using tablets.
Beyond classrooms, the governor said school feeding programmes supported by development partners had significantly improved enrollment, attendance and retention among vulnerable children, making ECDE an important pillar of child welfare and social protection.
"Our investment in early childhood education is not simply about classrooms. It is about giving every child an equal opportunity to learn, grow and succeed regardless of their background," he said.
Addressing the newly inducted teachers and trainers, Owili reminded them that public service extended beyond employment.
"You are not merely employees of government. You are custodians of hope, mentors, role models and protectors of children entrusted to your care. The future of Kisumu will largely be shaped by the quality of education and guidance you provide today," he said.
County officials said the administration would continue expanding access to quality ECDE and vocational training as part of broader efforts to build a skilled, healthy and productive generation capable of driving Kisumu's future economic transformation.
Kisumu Puts Early Learning at Heart of Child Development Drive
County Executive notes that ECDE is an important pillar of child welfare and social protection.