Transformation of Kiambu Nursery Schools

By Ann Wanjiku
Kiambu County is witnessing a transformation in its Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres, setting a new standard for early education infrastructure across Kenya.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Kimani Wamatangi, all ECDE centres in the county are undergoing significant reconstruction, evolving from single makeshift classrooms to modern
educational facilities that rival private academies.
The overhaul is comprehensive. Each of the newly established ECDE centres now boasts classrooms for PP1 and PP2, an office for the tutor, an ablution block for both children and teachers and a modern play park equipped with swings and sand pits. This infrastructural transformation spans all 60 wards in the county, laying a solid educational foundation for the young minds of Kiambu.
Research consistently underscores the importance of early childhood education, revealing that a
positive first impression of school significantly influences a child’s lifelong attitude towards learning.
Recognising this, the Governor prioritised the modernisation of ECDE centres immediately after his election, aiming to ensure that the youngest learners begin their educational journey in an
environment that is both nurturing and stimulating.
The results have been immediate and impressive. There is palpable excitement among children as
they revel in their new surroundings. The modernised facilities have not only improved the physical environment but have also instilled a sense of pride and enthusiasm among children, teachers and parents alike.
The Chief officer in charge of ECDE and Culture Dr. Mercy Njagi says the new look ECDE is part of the transformation programme established by Governor Wamatangi.
“We have witnessed robust infrastructural development done by Governor Wamatangi to enhance
the new outlook. In the 2023/2024 Financial Year, we have seen each ward benefit from two ECDE centres but some wards have benefitted from three due to their vastness and population,” said Dr. Njagi.
She said the essence of the sprucing up of the ECDE centres was to provide the learners with a
conducive learning environment and prepare them for the educational journey ahead.
“We have a comprehensive feeding programme which has enhanced numbers in the ECDE centres. For Example at Lower Kihara ECDE, the numbers have grown from 78 to 159 due to the good learning environment we have provided,” said Dr. Njagi.
She said that the department is looking forward to employing new ECDE teachers in the new
financial year to take care of the swelling numbers.

Governor Wamatangi’s commitment extends beyond brick-and-mortar improvements. He has also implemented a comprehensive feeding program to keep children in school and enhance their
learning experience. Every morning, the children receive a bowl of nutritious uji, complemented by eggs three days a week and a packet of milk. This initiative has significantly boosted attendance, with the number of learners increasing from 32,000 to over 38,000.
Governor Wamatangi said he was proud of what the County Government had managed to achieve in the education sector during the short period he has been in office.

“When we sought the vote of the Kiambu people, one of the strong pillars in my manifesto was to
ensure 100 percent transition into learning at ECDE level. That is why we embarked on the
modernisation of all the 524 ECDE centres across our county and I am happy that we are firmly on course,” said the Governor.
He said as part of his administration’s commitment to improving education in Kiambu County, the County has a 360 degrees transformation programme targeting the sector. He said his vision was to uplift the ECDE centres to rival those in development nations like in Finland and Germany.
“We are constructing new model ECDE centres and renovating existing ones to provide modern
facilities akin to those found in private kindergartens. Currently, the Department of Education,
Gender, Culture and Social Services is working on 180 ECDE centres, with about 130 centres in
various stages of implementation. Our goal is to modernise all 524 ECDE centres by 2026,” said
Governor Wamatangi.
Governor Wamatangi’s ambitious plan aims to modernise all 526 ECDE centres in Kiambu by 2026.
Already, 150 centres have undergone this major overhaul. The project has garnered widespread
acclaim and has become a benchmark for other counties.  Former Kiambu Township MP Jude Njomo has praised the initiative, calling it a game-changer for early childhood education.
“If there is one thing that makes me proud is the decision by Governor Wamatangi to transform the ECDE sector in Kiambu. He is doing a perfect job and it is being felt at the grassroots, let us support this great initiative,” said Njomo recently.