Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has launched a new Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme aimed at addressing critical challenges affecting young learners in the county. Speaking at the launch event held at the Kempinski Hotel, Sakaja highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding school readiness, nutrition, and emotional well-being among children aged 0-6. He expressed a strong commitment to improving ECD outcomes, noting the importance of immediate intervention.
One of the key issues raised by the Governor was the widespread food insecurity in the county, with only 21% of households considered food secure. This has a direct impact on the well-being of young children, which is why initiatives like the ‘Dishi na County’ program have become a central part of Sakaja’s administration. The program aims to ensure that no child goes hungry, with school meals being provided to children in both formal and informal schools.
The launch of the ECD programme is a collaborative effort between the Nairobi City County Government and Aga Khan University’s Institute for Human Development. This partnership is a result of a Baseline Study conducted by the two organizations, which highlighted various challenges in the ECD sector, such as inadequate nutrition and a lack of safe play areas. The study’s findings will play a crucial role in shaping the county’s future policy decisions in the sector.
In his address, Sakaja emphasized the county’s commitment to providing better access to food for all children. “We will connect informal schools to public schools so their students can also benefit from these food programs,” he said. His administration is also focused on creating safe play spaces for children, with plans to establish playgrounds in every ward across Nairobi.
Additionally, the county will train over 7,800 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to offer parental coaching on nurturing care, while 800 public healthcare workers will be trained to incorporate nurturing care practices into healthcare services.
Professor Amina Abubakar from Aga Khan University stressed the importance of early childhood development, noting that 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of five. “Quality ECD leads to better educational outcomes as children grow,” she said, adding that the Dishi na County program has made significant strides in improving child nutrition.
The launch of this ECD programme signals a major step towards enhancing child welfare in Nairobi, with the county now setting a benchmark for the well-being of its youngest residents. Through this initiative, Sakaja’s administration is ensuring that Nairobi’s children receive the care and support they need to thrive.
