Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners across Kisii County are set to benefit from a free fresh milk distribution programme introduced by the county government under Governor Simba Arati.
The programme, which targets public ECDE centres, is aimed at improving child nutrition and boosting school attendance, Governor Arati said over the weekend.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at Nyamagwa SDA Church, Arati said the initiative is part of his administration’s broader plan to strengthen the foundation of education in the county.
“Good nutrition is critical to a child’s ability to learn and concentrate. By providing milk to our ECDE learners, we are investing in the future of Kisii County,” Arati said.
He added that the programme would ensure young learners receive essential nutrients at an early age, helping them grow healthier and perform better in class.
“This is not just about milk; it is about giving our children an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed,” he noted.
In addition to the milk programme, the governor announced plans to expand bursary support for secondary school and middle-level college students, saying education remains a top priority for his administration.
However, the initiative has drawn mixed reactions from residents and social media users, with some questioning the county’s spending priorities.
Masimba Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Bouse Mairura however ,criticised the governor, arguing that the county government should have prioritised classroom construction over the milk programme.
“While the idea of supporting children through nutrition is good, our ECDE centres lack enough classrooms,” Mairura said.
“The amount of money being spent on the milk programme could have been used to build additional classrooms and improve the learning environment.”
He said many ECDE learners are currently studying in overcrowded or poorly equipped facilities, which he described as a more urgent challenge.
“Children need proper classrooms, desks, and sanitation facilities. These are basic needs that should come first before introducing additional programmes,” Mairura added.
He urged the county government to review its priorities and increase investment in ECDE infrastructure to ensure sustainable improvements in early childhood education.
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