Governor James Orengo among other leaders in the launch of Early Childhood Development Education Feeding program/photo courtesy/
Siaya County Governor James Orengo has officially launched the Siaya County Early Childhood Development Education Feeding Program, a transformative initiative aimed at providing nutritious meals to young learners to support their holistic growth and development.
The program, introduced under the Smart Start initiative and currently being piloted across all 14 counties within the Lake Region Economic Block, is set to benefit 79 children enrolled at Siala ECD Centre in South Gem Subcounty. It specifically caters to children aged 1 to 9, promoting both cognitive and physical development through proper nutrition and a supportive learning environment.
By ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition, which is essential for their growth and academic performance, Siaya County is setting a precedent for other counties in the region, reinforcing the significance of early childhood education and development.
The launch event attracted key stakeholders, including members of the County Assembly and the County Executive, who demonstrated a unified commitment to improving early childhood education across Siaya County. Leaders in attendance pledged ongoing support for initiatives designed to enhance children’s well being and improve learning conditions in early childhood development education centres.
County Executive Committee Member for Education Dr Edgar Otumba noted that the feeding program had been two years in the making, crediting its successful rollout to the collaborative efforts of the county executive and the County Assembly. He highlighted that the initiative exemplifies what can be accomplished when leaders unite for a common goal.
Siaya First Lady and Smart Start Patron Betty Orengo stressed the importance of building a strong foundation for children’s development. She emphasized that early childhood education extends beyond infrastructure, requiring play facilities and a nurturing environment for comprehensive growth. Mrs Orengo further described the Smart Start initiative as a legacy that will benefit generations long after the current leadership.
While launching the feeding program, Governor Orengo underscored the critical role of early childhood nutrition, stating that the first five years of life determine a child’s long term health and potential. He emphasized the county’s commitment to ensuring that no child in Siaya is deprived of essential early childhood services.
The initiative will provide fortified porridge to over 45,000 learners in more than 700 public early childhood development education centres across Siaya County, addressing malnutrition and food insecurity while enhancing learners’ concentration and participation in school activities.
Siaya’s commitment to early childhood development education is reflected in its high enrolment rate of 98 percent and the establishment of approximately 700 early childhood development centres. However, challenges persist, particularly in staffing, with only 608 early childhood development teachers currently employed against a required 1,450. Governor Orengo acknowledged this shortfall, assuring stakeholders that efforts are underway to train and recruit additional teachers.
The Smart Start initiative is gaining momentum across all 14 Lake Region Economic Block counties, with Siaya leading as the pilot and benchmark county. Other counties are keen to adopt Siaya’s model to implement similar programs in their regions, fostering a ripple effect that enhances early childhood development education services throughout the bloc.
Governor Orengo urged all stakeholders including parents, teachers, and community members to support the program, reiterating that early childhood education is a shared responsibility requiring collective effort. He also encouraged other counties to invest in similar initiatives to ensure that every child receives the best possible start in life.
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