ECDE material that was flagged off for distribution by Governor Simon Kachapin in West Pokot countyWest Pokot's sustained investment in early childhood development education infrastructure has significantly increased learner enrolment and improved access to quality education, Governor Simon Kachapin has said.
The county has constructed more than 400 ECDE classrooms over the years, with enrolment rising steadily over the past two years.
West Pokot now has 1,214 ECDE centres serving 83,358 learners, while the county government has employed 1,662 teachers to support the sector.
The county also runs a Sh25 million ECDE school feeding programme, benefiting 76,019 learners in public ECDE centres.
According to the county, West Pokot records the highest ECDE enrolment in the country.
"As a county, we highly value the ECDE sector because it is the foundation of the lives of our children. That is why we continue making huge investments in the sector," Kachapin said.
The county is also expanding digital learning through the EIDU programme.
So far, 627 digital learning devices have been distributed to 320 ECDE centres, benefiting about 15,000 learners.
Kachapin spoke during the commissioning of a new administration block at All Saints Tamugh Senior School and the distribution of learning equipment to ECDE centres in Sook and Endough wards.
He said his administration remains committed to providing quality learning infrastructure to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning while expanding access to education across the county.
The governor also flagged off the distribution of 400 ECDE chairs and assorted outdoor play equipment, including slides, trampolines and swings, to learning centres in the two wards.
He described the initiative as the first of its kind in the county, saying it is intended to provide safe, stimulating and child-friendly learning environments.
Kachapin said the county has continued to expand ECDE infrastructure, with 41 classrooms constructed in Sook ward since 2017 and another 33 completed in Endough ward since 2022.
Sook ward has 43 ECDE centres, while Endough ward has 64, reflecting the county's continued investment in expanding access to early childhood education.
He said improved infrastructure, coupled with complementary programmes such as school feeding, had contributed to increased enrolment, better learner retention and improved transition rates.
"All these help to lay a strong foundation for quality education and the future success of young learners," he said.
The governor was accompanied by deputy speaker and Endough MCA Victor Siywat, majority leader and Sook MCA Martin Komongiro, county secretary Jonathan Siwanyang and education CEC Rebecca Kide.
