Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening early childhood development and education (ECDE), saying the county will continue investing in infrastructure and programmes aimed at giving children a strong foundation for learning.
Speaking during the commissioning of a newly constructed Early Childhood Development Education classroom at St Thomas Kapkoros ECDE Centre, Sang said early childhood education was a critical component of the county’s development agenda because it provides the foundation upon which children build their future education.
Sang said the county government had prioritized the construction and improvement of ECDE classrooms across the county to ensure that young learners have access to safe, modern and conducive learning environments.
“We must give our children the best possible foundation because this is where their education journey begins,” he said.
The governor said investment in ECDE should not be viewed merely as the construction of classrooms but as a long-term investment in the human capital of the County.
He said his administration would continue working with communities to identify areas where ECDE infrastructure was inadequate and channel resources towards addressing the gaps.
According to Sang, improved learning facilities would motivate children to attend school while also providing teachers with a better environment in which to deliver lessons.
“We are not just putting up buildings; we are investing in the future of our children and the future of this county,” he said.
The governor stated that the County government was also implementing other interventions aimed at improving enrolment and retention of children in ECDE centres, including programmes addressing learners’ nutritional needs.
He said the school feeding interventions were important because children required proper nutrition to remain attentive and participate effectively in learning.
Sang challenged parents to ensure that all children of ECDE age are enrolled in school and attend classes regularly, noting that parental involvement was critical in determining the success of early childhood education programmes.
“Education is a shared responsibility. The county government can provide infrastructure, but parents must also ensure that their children are brought to school and supported,” he said.
He urged residents to take ownership of the newly established facilities and protect them from vandalism and other forms of destruction.
The County head added that the county government would continue equipping ECDE centres with appropriate learning materials and furniture to complement investments in physical infrastructure.
He noted that children in rural areas deserved the same quality of learning environment as those in urban centres, adding that the county was committed to reducing disparities in access to educational facilities.
Sang said early investment in education would help Nandi produce a generation of young people equipped with the skills and knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to the county’s social and economic development.
He further urged ECDE teachers to continue nurturing learners beyond academic work by helping them develop social skills, discipline, creativity and confidence.
The governor said the county would continue engaging communities in the implementation of education programmes to ensure that projects respond to the actual needs of residents.
He described the newly commissioned classroom as an important addition to the centre, saying it would provide learners with a more conducive environment while easing pressure on existing facilities.
Sang assured residents that education would remain a key priority of his administration, with emphasis on strengthening the foundation of learning from the earliest stage.
He further stated that the County would sustain investments in ECDE infrastructure and learner welfare as part of broader efforts to improve education standards and promote equal opportunities for children across Nandi.
The governor called on local leaders, teachers and parents to work jointly in supporting ECDE programmes, saying collective responsibility was necessary to ensure that investments made by the county translate into better learning outcomes.
by Sammy Mwibanda
