Kirinyaga County has recorded a steady rise in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) enrollment following sustained investment in school infrastructure, improved service delivery and enhanced teacher welfare.
Governor Anne Waiguru said enrolment in the learning centres has increased from 13,280 learners in 2017 to 16,398 learners in 2025, reflecting growing parental confidence in public ECDE centres and improved retention of young learners.
Since 2017, the county has undertaken a major upgrade of ECDE classrooms, replacing temporary and unsafe structures with modern, child-friendly learning facilities across the county.
Through the Department of Education and Public Service, the county has also distributed new furniture, learning and teaching, water tanks and play equipment to ECDE centres, alongside the provision of free uniforms to over 15,000 learners.
In 2024, Waiguru became the first Governor to offer free ECDE uniforms to learners, an initiative that has been termed as a game changer by teachers and parents. She said the initiatives have given parents more confidence in public ECDE learning centres.
These interventions, combined with the employment and absorption of trained ECDE teachers into the Permanent and Pensionable scheme, have significantly improved access, quality of learning and service delivery in public ECDE centers. Over the years, Waiguru has constructed about 40 new classrooms and renovated 45 others thus improving learning and teaching environment.
Governor Waiguru said her administration views education as both a tool for individual empowerment and a driver of social transformation, noting that early investment in children lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
“We are committed to supporting our children since we believe each one should have an opportunity to realize their full potential no matter the circumstances. Our ECDE centres are recording higher number of enrolment that those in private schools because of the transformation that we have done,” Waiguru said.
The impact of the county’s interventions is evident at the school level. At Mugaa Primary School, ECDE enrollment now stands at 41 learners after the construction of a new classroom. Head teacher Lucy Gichuki said the facility has eliminated the challenge of long-distance travel for young children who previously walked about five kilometres to reach schools in Kandongu, Wakaniu and Ng’othi.
“In Mugaa, we are lucky to have a classroom built courtesy of Governor Waiguru. Before the newECDE class, our learners could not access the nearest schools, which are about five kilometres away. The class has really helped because learners no longer have to travel far, and the Governor has also provided uniforms, furniture and a well-trained ECDE teacher,” she said, adding that the improvements have created a conducive learning environment and boosted teacher and learner morale.
Parents at Mugaa Primary have also welcomed the improvement. PP1 parent Susan Wakuthi recalled the burden parents previously faced in providing desks and chairs for their children.
“We used to carry desks and chairs to school so that our children could have somewhere to sit, and if you did not carry one, your child would lack space. Through the support of Governor Waiguru, furniture has been provided, and the burden on parents has been eased. She has also given books, pencils and uniforms, which many parents could not afford, and children are no longer sent home for lack of uniform or dirty clothes,” Wakuthi said.
Another parent, Eric Wakugutha, noted that the new classroom and improved staffing have enhanced both attendance and learning outcomes.
“The ECDE class has really helped because earlier our children had to wake up very early and walk long distances, which was stressful for both parents and children. The new classrooms are well ventilated and comfortable, so children no longer fall sick or sleep in class, and the teachers are now more advanced,” he said.
At Kianjogu Primary School, ECDE enrollment has grown to 53 learners following the construction of two modern classrooms and the deployment of two trained ECDE teachers. Head teacher Juliana Njeru said the school previously relied on semi-permanent iron-sheet structures that were not suitable for young learners.
“The school has benefited with two ECDE classes. Previously, we had semi-permanent classrooms made of iron sheets, but now the classes are comfortable, and we have also received two ECDE teachers,” she said.
Kandongu Comprehensive Primary School, which now accommodates 38 ECDE learners, has also seen improved standards after receiving a dedicated classroom, replacing the earlier arrangement where learners used a structure meant for the secondary school. Head teacher Rosaline Muriuki credited the county government for the positive change.
“Before construction, learners had no classroom; they used to study in a structure around the school that belongs to the secondary school. But now we have been able to improve our standards due to the effort by our Governor to change the face of ECDE learning in our county,” she said.
Parents in Kandongu and Kiarugo Primary Schools said the improved infrastructure, free uniforms and learning materials have reduced financial pressure while improving the overall learning experience. PP2 parent Anne Muthoni said the transformation has made public ECDE centres comparable to private schools.
“Now our children are learning in modern classes and they are very happy. We feel like they are in private school, and as parents we have been helped because we no longer have to buy uniforms and learning materials,” she said.
At Kiarugo Primary School, where the ECDE class has about 30 learners, PP1 parent Joseph Murimi said the modern classrooms and standardized learning conditions have given parents peace of mind.
“The classroom is very modern, so as parents we do not worry about the child being in harsh conditions,” he said.
Waiguru has consistently underscored the county government’s commitment to continuous investment in ECDE infrastructure, trained teachers and learning materials to sustain enrollment growth and ensure every child in Kirinyaga has access to quality early childhood education.
