Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has intensified support for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners across the county through the provision of free learning materials, furniture, and uniforms, aiming to ease the financial burden on parents. The initiative, announced on June 20, 2026, is part of the county's ongoing efforts to improve access to quality early education.
According to a statement from the county government, the distribution includes textbooks, exercise books, desks, chairs, and uniforms for thousands of ECDE pupils in public schools. Waiguru emphasized that investing in early childhood education is critical for long-term development and that the program will continue to expand.
Parents in the region have welcomed the move, noting that it reduces out-of-pocket expenses for school supplies. The county has allocated additional funds in the 2026-2027 budget to sustain the program, which also includes training for ECDE teachers and renovation of classrooms.
This initiative aligns with Kenya's national policy on free primary education, though ECDE remains a county-level responsibility under the devolved system of government. Waiguru's administration has prioritized education as a key pillar of its development agenda.
