The Uasin County government has launched a pilot fortified, high-nutritional uji programme to boost early childhood development and education in the area.
This is yet another major milestone for the devolved unit, besides the ECDE milk programme, aimed at strengthening child nutrition and early learning outcomes.
Speaking during the launching ceremony at Legetet ECDE, Megun Ward, Kapseret Sub County, Governor Dr Jonathan Bii said the major programme, which will be rolled out weekly, is being piloted before being expanded to other ECDE centres across the county.
“We are starting this fortified uji programme here at Legetet as a pilot, with the intention of scaling it up to all ECDE schools across the county,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child benefits from proper nutrition that supports healthy growth and effective learning,” added Bii.
The fortified uji initiative complements the county’s ongoing school milk programme, which has been running consistently every Tuesday and Thursday for the past three years.
The programme has contributed to a significant rise in ECDE enrolment, from 40,000 to 52,000 learners countywide during the same period.
“The success of the school milk programme shows that investing in child nutrition delivers real results,” said the governor, adding, “Improved attendance and higher enrolment are proof that parents trust our commitment to their children’s well-being.”
Bii also emphasised the efforts to restore dignity and motivation among ECDE teachers by confirming over 1,466 of them on permanent and pensionable terms.
“Our teachers are the backbone of early childhood education. By securing their jobs and improving their welfare, we are strengthening the quality of education in our ECDE centres,” he said.
In addition, the county government is upgrading learning environments through the construction of a record 98 classrooms and 28 offices across the county, thereby easing congestion and improving teaching conditions.
“These investments reflect our broader vision to give every child a strong foundation for success. From nutrition to infrastructure and teacher welfare, we are building a future where no child is left behind,” he said.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
