KAKAMEGA COUNTY VALIDATES CHILDCARE FACILITIES POLICY TO STRENGTHEN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE
The County Government of Kakamega has taken a step towards improving the quality of childcare services through the validation of the Kakamega County Childcare Facilities Policy.
The validation meeting, held today at Golf Hotel, brought together development partners, caregivers, domestic workers, directors, and executives from the Departments of Social Services and Education, as well as representatives from the County Attorney’s Office, to review and validate the policy that will guide the establishment and management of childcare facilities across the county.
The County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Youth, Gender and Social Services, CPA Jackline Masicha, officially opened the meeting and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to ensuring that every child receives quality care in a safe and supportive environment.
“Every child has access to safe, inclusive and affordable childcare,” she stated, noting that the policy is designed to safeguard the rights and well-being of young children while supporting parents and caregivers.
CPA Masicha further explained that the policy will promote continuous professional development for caregivers in key areas including child development, responsible caregiving, child safeguarding, first aid, nutrition, disability inclusion and psychosocial support. She emphasized that equipping caregivers with these skills will improve the quality of services offered in childcare facilities across the county.
The policy targets caregivers operating home-based and community childcare centres that cater for children below the age of four years. It seeks to enhance childcare support systems, expand access to quality childcare facilities, and ensure that the voices and experiences of childcare providers are reflected in the county’s regulatory framework.
The validation exercise brought together representatives from various county departments, including the CECM for Education Mr. Bernard Amwayi, Chief Officer for Public Health, Mrs. Rose Muhanda; the Chief Officer for Youth and Sports, Mr. Lawrence Mukoyani; and the Chief Officer in charge of Social Services, Mrs. Christine Oside.
Partners and stakeholders in attendance included KMET, Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS), Kidogo Early Years, COVAW, KECWEP, and the Association of Peer Counsellors, all of whom pledged their continued support towards strengthening early childhood care and development in Kakamega County.
Once finalized and adopted, the Kakamega County Childcare Facilities Policy is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation, management and improvement of childcare services, ensuring that young children across the county grow up in safe, nurturing and development-friendly environments.