Marsabit chief officer of education, Qabale Adhi Bulbul, duringthe induction program of ECDE teachers in Marsabit/Abdikadir Chari




Read Also
Mecha eyes KRU Championship as Kisii Poly set for Kabarak showdown Rugby
Wanyonyi to reignite rivalry with Arop, Sedjati in Oslo Athletics
KSSSA Nyanza region to roll out digital player verification to curb cheating Sports

Marsabit County Directorate of Education is motivating class attendance through the county ECDE feeding programme, an initiative supporting over 374 ECDE centres and 24,000 learners across the county.

Speaking on Tuesday, Chief Officer Education Qabale Adhi Bulbul said the programme will boost school attendance and retention among young learners whose families have been severely affected by the ongoing drought.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

"This initiative not only keeps children in school but also enhances their overall health and cognitive development," she said.

She added that the combined intervention by the county government and partners is expected to ease the burden on drought-affected families while strengthening early learning retention and participation across the county.

She noted that proper nutrition at an early age plays a key role in cognitive development and long-term academic performance.

Learners will be served nutritionally fortified porridge, a programme Qabale said is well-funded through collaboration between the county government and partners to ensure sustainability.

"The porridge will be nutritious. It will be offered during weekdays and will boost learners' attention in the classroom, reduce malnutrition, and increase enrollment and retention rates," she said.

The Chief Officer of Education said Governor Mohamud Ali’s administration is committed to ensuring that no child misses out on education due to hunger, maintaining that the county government continues to promote equity and enhance overall educational development.

"Early childhood education is a crucial stage of human development, and we are seeking to give it the attention it deserves," she said.

While calling on parents of children living with special needs to take them to integrated schools for equal education opportunities, Qabale said the ECDE programme reflects the county’s commitment to placing education at the heart of development planning and public investment, with a focus on early childhood education as the foundation for future learning and social progress.

She noted that funding for the ECDE programme is a devolved function of the county government and commended the governor for his administration’s remarkable achievement in advancing ECDE programmes and maintaining high standards of early childhood education.

"We are committed to giving our children a strong start in life by investing in safe and conducive learning spaces," she said.

Qabale said the county government had already employed more than 500 teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, a move she said will motivate teachers to work harder.

She added that a strict system of monitoring teachers’ performance has been formulated to ensure firm and continuous adherence to guidelines in providing quality education to young learners.

Parents and teachers welcomed the county’s investment in the ECDE programme, noting that similar initiatives implemented in the past led to improved attendance, better health among learners, and increased parental involvement in education.

Qabale Ali, an ECDE teacher in Moyale, said early childhood education forms an integral part in providing a solid foundation for children in their formative years, noting that the feeding programme will motivate parents to send their children to school.

Galgallo Guyo, a teacher in Saku, said the programme will not only motivate children to attend classes but will also improve their health.

Jillo Guyo, a parent in Marsabit, lauded the county’s efforts, noting the positive impact on school enrollment and children’s morale.

"Our children have a dignified place to learn, and this has motivated both learners and teachers," he said, commending Governor Mohamud Ali for successfully transitioning over 500 ECDE teachers from contractual to permanent and pensionable.

In previous events, Governor Mohamud Ali assured residents that his administration will continue investing in education to bridge gaps and enhance equal opportunities for all children, sending a strong message that early investment in education is key to long-term social and economic growth.