Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has expressed
commitment to improving early childhood development (ECD), in the wake of
concerning statistics on school readiness, nutrition, and emotional well-being
among children.
Speaking at the launch of an ECD program at
the Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi, Governor Sakaja acknowledged the challenges
young learners face and stressed the need for immediate action.
“Only 21 per cent of our households are food
secure, meaning the majority lack enough food. This is why programs like ‘Dishi
na County’ are crucial to ensuring no child goes hungry,” Sakaja said.
The launch of the ECD programme was a
partnership between the Nairobi City County Government and Aga Khan University
– Institute for Human Development.
The programme is a product of a Baseline Study conducted by the Aga Khan University, in partnership with Nairobi County, on the status of ECD in the county of Nairobi.
The study highlighted several challenges
and proposed key solutions which will influence the county’s policy-making strategy
in a bid to better the learning experience of ECD learners.
In his address, the Governor emphasized that his administration is mapping informal schools across Nairobi to expand the Dishi na County program, ensuring more children have access to school meals.
“We will connect informal schools to public
schools so their students can also benefit from these food programs,” Sakaja
stated.
Additionally, he announced plans to establish
playgrounds in every ward to create safe spaces for children to play and grow.
"Nairobi will serve as a benchmark in
efforts to ensure the wholesome well-being of children age 0-6 in all aspects
of development," Sakaja said
Suzanne Silantoi, the County Executive
Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Nutrition, revealed that 7,820 Community
Health Promoters (CHPs) will be trained to provide parental coaching on
nurturing care.
“Additionally, 800 public healthcare workers
will be trained to integrate nurturing care practices into mainstream
healthcare services,” Silantoi confirmed.
Professor Amina Abubakar, Director of the
Institute for Human Development at Aga Khan University, emphasized the
importance of early childhood development, describing it as a critical period
of both vulnerability and opportunity.
She noted that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of five, making quality ECD essential for long-term success.
“Quality ECD leads to better educational
outcomes as children grow. While nutrition remains crucial, the Sakaja Dishi na
County program has been a game-changer,” she said.
Dr. Kesete Admasu, CEO of Big Win
Philanthropy, acknowledged the various challenges children face and praised
Nairobi’s efforts, particularly the Dishi na County initiative, which ensures
children receive proper nutrition through school meals.
“Nairobi serves as a benchmark for efforts to
ensure that children receive meals in schools,” Dr. Admasu affirmed.
This ECD programme aligns with Governor
Sakaja’s broader vision of enhancing child welfare in Nairobi, further
reinforcing the county’s commitment to investing in the future of its youngest
residents.
