COUNTY PUMPS KSH 120M IN FREE EARLY CHILD EDUCATION
The County Government of Kakamega has spent Kshs 120 million to offer free Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in public ECDE centers in the County.
Governor Dr Wycliffe Oparanya said his Government has put adequate structures in place to ensure all children access free ECD education.
He explained that the county through Education department was spending close to Ksh 1,000 capitation per child under the free ECDE education programme.
“ECDE education is compulsory in Kenya and it is a devolved function therefore my government will ensure that no child will be denied” said Dr Oparanya.
Speaking at Mumias Cultural Center during a capacity building on Covid-19 for ECDE teachers, the Governor noted that the programme has attracted 117,442 ECDE learners in the 905 public centers in the County.
He said the County Government has constructed 532 centers at a cost of Ksh 658 million.
“I want to thank ECDE teachers for their commitment and service that has made Kakamega to be the best performing County,” he said.
Dr Oparanya urged the teachers to ensure Covid-19 containment measures are adhered to as a means to combat the spread of the virus in the County.
He said with schools fully re-opened, the County Government has provided thermo guns, washing points, soaps and ensured provision of water in schools.
“We must work together to deal with Covid-19 pandemic. We must observe all measures to keep the virus away from our learning institutions,” said the Governor who was accompanied by his Deputy Prof Philip Kutima.
He announced salary increment for ECDE teachers in three phases.
He directed that teachers salary increase by Ksh 3,000 immediately, Ksh 3,000 in July and Ksh 2,000 in January 2022.
“I have to reward the teachers for their exemplary services to our children and County at large,” he said.
Dr George Lutomia, CECM for Education, Science and Technology said the County Government has employed more than 1,000 ECDE teachers.
He noted that learners have received exercise books, text books and furniture from the County Government to ensure quality education in the centers.
Mr Geoffrey Omulayi CECM for Roads, Public Works and Energy, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Madam Jacinta Aluoch, Chief Officers among other senior County Officers were present.