Nairobi Governor Sakaja reaffirms commitment to ECDE classrooms and childcare reforms

Speaking on Wednesday during the opening of a two-day Childcare Collaborative Action Conference at Strathmore University, Sakaja outlined the county’s efforts to improve education and childcare services.

“We have disbursed Ksh.2.1 billion for bursaries and sponsorship programs targeting children in public schools and ECDEs. I will personally advocate for the transformation of the childcare sector to attract funding and local resources,” he said.

Sakaja also announced that 117 parcels of grabbed public land have been recovered within Nairobi County, ensuring these resources are directed toward public use.

Highlighting the importance of early childhood development, Sakaja emphasized that the first five years are a critical period for brain development and laying the foundation for children’s future success.

He revealed the county’s six-point strategy for children from birth, which includes nurturing care, early stimulation, childcare services, and the establishment of daycare centres in city markets like Mwariro and Gikomba.

The governor also discussed plans to set up outdoor play areas in city estates, complete with playgrounds, swings, outdoor gyms, and hopscotch, all aimed at promoting children’s well-being.

One of the highlight projects of Sakaja’s administration has been the school feeding program, which has led to a 34% increase in enrollment in public schools and ECDE centres. 

Currently, over 310,000 children across 216 public schools and ECDEs in Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties are benefiting from the initiative, with meals provided at a nominal fee of Ksh.5.