The Kiambu County Government today officially launched the distribution of free learning materials to more than 40,000 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners in a move aimed at strengthening access to quality education at the foundational level.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi presided over the flag-off ceremony at the County headquarters in Kiambu town, marking the commencement of dispatch to over 524 ECDE centers spread across the county’s 60 wards.
The initiative coincides with the opening of the 2026 school year and underscores the county’s commitment to investing in early learning.
The consignment includes exercise books, pencils fitted with erasers, child-friendly desks and chairs, and other age-appropriate instructional materials designed to enhance comfort, safety, and concentration among young learners.
County officials said the materials were carefully sourced to meet national ECDE standards while addressing the specific learning needs of children at the pre-primary level.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Wamatangi emphasised the importance of equity in education, noting that every child in Kiambu deserves equal opportunities regardless of their background.
“The child of a hawker selling samosas or boiled eggs should enjoy the same standard of learning as the child of a wealthy parent attending a private academy. That is the Kiambu we are building,” the governor said.
The distribution of learning materials complements significant investments made in ECDE infrastructure under the Wamatangi administration.
Over the past two years, more than 520 ECDE centers have been constructed or upgraded to modern standards.
The facilities include PP1 and PP2 classrooms, teachers’ offices, kitchenettes, ablution blocks, and well-equipped outdoor play areas with swings, slides, and sandpits.
In addition to infrastructure and learning materials, Kiambu County has rolled out a robust school feeding programme for ECDE learners.
Children receive free porridge, milk, and eggs daily, an intervention credited with improving attendance, health, and classroom attentiveness.
The county has also provided new uniforms to learners, giving public ECDE centers an appearance comparable to private institutions.
Further, the county government is investing in the professional development of ECDE tutors by supporting and encouraging them to pursue diploma-level training to enhance teaching quality.
Forging ahead, Governor Wamatangi revealed that plans to acquire school buses and establish swimming pools for ECDE learners are at an advanced stage, aimed at nurturing holistic development and preparing children for future opportunities.
Education officials noted that the combined interventions have resulted in healthier, more confident, and more engaged learners across Kiambu County, positioning the county as a model for early childhood education.
By Grace Naishoo
