Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has today launched the distribution of free learning materials and additional furniture to all public Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centres across the county, marking another major milestone in his administration’s drive to make nursery education fully accessible.
Speaking during the launch ceremony as schools resume, Governor Wamatangi announced that more than 42,000 learners in 524 public ECDE centres will benefit from the programme, which is fully funded by the Kiambu County Government.
“As schools open, we have officially kicked off the distribution of free learning materials for all our ECDE learners. This is part of our firm commitment to ensuring that nursery school education in Kiambu County is completely free,” the governor said.
Beyond learning materials, the county continues to run an enhanced feeding programme for ECDE pupils. Under the initiative, learners receive free uji daily, three boiled eggs every week, and a packet of milk every Thursday—an intervention aimed at improving nutrition, school attendance and learning outcomes.
Governor Wamatangi further highlighted significant investments in ECDE infrastructure, revealing that his administration has constructed 512 modern ECDE centres since taking office. The facilities comprise fully equipped PP1 and PP2 classrooms, teachers’ offices, ablution blocks and children’s play areas. In addition, about 30 standalone ECDE centres have been completed, bringing the total number of new facilities to nearly 550.
“These are model ECDE centres built to a high standard. Every centre has proper classrooms, sanitation facilities, offices for teachers and safe play areas for our children,” he said, noting that the county has also introduced a standard uniform for all ECDE learners.
The governor praised the county’s education team, led by the County Executive Committee Member for Education, for what he termed exemplary performance, saying the transformation of ECDE programmes in Kiambu has become a benchmark nationally.
“Beyond our achievements in health, food security, fertilizer distribution and being the first county to achieve 100 per cent solar street and public lighting, the transformation of ECDE learning in Kiambu stands out as our greatest success. Today, our ECDE programme is number one in Kenya,” Wamatangi asserted.
He expressed confidence that it would take years for other counties to match the standards Kiambu has achieved in early childhood education within just three years.
The governor also directed Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to closely monitor the distribution of learning materials to ensure every ECDE centre receives supplies without delay. Parents, he added, should no longer be burdened with buying books, stationery or providing food for their children in public ECDE centres.
Looking ahead, Wamatangi announced plans to install solar panels in all county-built ECDE centres to enhance sustainability and reduce energy costs. He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the gains made by entrenching them in law through the county ECDE Bill, to prevent reversal by future administrations.
On staffing, the governor revealed that the county is in the process of recruiting 120 additional ECDE teachers—60 immediately and another 60 by March—to address shortages. He further pledged to regularize and formalize the terms of service for ECDE teachers to ensure they enjoy full employment benefits.
In a major boost to teacher professional development, Wamatangi announced a partnership with Mount Kenya University that will enable ECDE teachers to pursue diploma qualifications at no personal cost.
“This is about empowering our teachers, improving their standards and securing their future. Education is the foundation of transformation, and it starts with our youngest learners,” he said.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, members of the County Executive, MCAs, education officials, development partners and parents, underscoring broad support for the county’s ambitious ECDE agenda.
