Busia to build 175 ECDE centers to tackle classroom shortage

Busia County government has approved the construction of 175 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers within the next three months to address classroom shortages across the county.

Governor Paul Otuoma said the initiative aims to improve the learning environment for young children.

“We have more than 50,000 children enrolled in 460 ECDE centers across the county. Some classrooms are in poor condition, which is why we have decided to construct five ECDE centers in each of our 35 wards over the next three months,” said Otuoma.

The governor acknowledged financial challenges as a limitation in expanding ECDE infrastructure but assured that the sector will be prioritized in the 2025-2026 financial year.

“Given the number of children and the required classroom capacity, more facilities are needed. However, due to financial constraints, we are implementing the project in phases. We aim to prioritize ECDE infrastructure in the next budget since early education is critical in a child’s academic journey,” Otuoma stated.

The governor emphasized that school project management committees, comprising key stakeholders, will oversee construction to ensure accountability and efficiency.

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“These committees will supervise the projects to guarantee proper implementation. Additionally, we encourage the use of locally sourced raw materials and labor to benefit our communities,” he noted.

He said that upon completion, the county expects improved school attendance and a better learning environment for young children.

Governor Otuoma, who spoke after a meeting with his cabinet, also praised the school feeding program launched last year, saying it will complement the new ECDE initiative by enhancing child nutrition, increasing enrollment, and improving retention rates.

Poor nutrition remains a challenge in Busia County, with a UNICEF report indicating that 15% of children in the region suffer from stunted growth.

“We are also committed to ensuring that existing ECDE centers are well-equipped with essential learning materials to provide quality early education,” Otuoma added.