Siaya County Governor James Orengo officially launched the Siaya County Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Feeding Programme which aims to provide nutritious meals to young learners, ensuring their holistic development.
The initiative, under the Smart Start Programme, being piloted in all 14 counties within the Lake Region Economic Block (LREB), is set to benefit the 79 children currently enrolled at Siala ECD Centre in South Gem Sub-county.
It is dedicated to catering to children between the ages of 1-9, fostering their cognitive and physical development through proper nutrition and a nurturing environment.
The program seeks to ensure that children receive adequate nutrition, which is fundamental to their growth and academic success.
By implementing this program, Siaya County is setting a precedence for other counties in the region, reinforcing the importance of early childhood education and development.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including members of the County Assembly and the County Executive. Their presence highlighted a unified commitment to improving early childhood education across Siaya County.
Leaders at the event pledged their continued support for initiatives that enhance the well-being of children and improve learning conditions in ECDE centers.
Speaking at the event, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Dr. Edgar Otumba, emphasized that the feeding program had been two years in the making. He credited the successful implementation to collaborative efforts between the county executive and the County Assembly.
Dr. Otumba reiterated that the initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when leaders work together towards a common goal.
Siaya First Lady and Smart Start Patron, Betty Orengo, underscored the importance of laying a strong foundation for children’s development. She noted that early childhood education goes beyond infrastructure; it must also include play facilities and a comprehensive nurturing environment.
According to Mrs. Orengo, the Smart Start program is a legacy that will outlive the current leadership, benefiting generations to come.
Governor Orengo, while launching the feeding program, stressed that the early years of a child’s life are crucial in determining their future well-being. He pointed out that poor nutrition and lack of care during the first five years can compromise a person’s long-term health and potential in later years.
Orengo emphasized that the county government is committed to ensuring that no child in Siaya lacks access to essential early childhood services.
The feeding program will provide fortified porridge to over 45,000 learners in more than 700 public ECDE centers across Siaya County. This initiative is expected to address issues of malnutrition and food insecurity among young learners, thereby enhancing their concentration and participation in school activities.
The county’s commitment to ECDE is evident in its high enrolment rate of 98% and the establishment of approximately 700 ECD centers.
Despite these achievements, Siaya County still faces challenges in early childhood education, particularly in staffing. The county currently has 608 ECD teachers, against a requirement of 1,450.
Governor Orengo acknowledged this shortfall and assured stakeholders that efforts are being made to bridge the gap, including training and recruiting additional teachers.
The Smart Start initiative is gaining traction across the 14 LREB counties, with Siaya serving as the pilot and benchmark for the program. Other counties are keen to learn from Siaya’s implementation strategies to replicate similar programs within their jurisdictions.
This collaborative approach is expected to create a ripple effect, improving ECDE services across the region.
During the event, Governor Orengo called on all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community members, to support the program. He emphasized that early childhood education is a shared responsibility and requires the involvement of all sectors to be successful.
He also encouraged other countries to invest in similar programs to ensure that every child receives the best possible start in life.
The launch of the ECDE feeding program is a significant milestone in Siaya County’s education sector. It not only guarantees access to nutritious meals for young learners but also sets a foundation for their future success.
The program aligns with the county’s broader vision of enhancing education and child development through strategic investments and policy implementation.
By Calvin Otieno
