Mandera, Kenya| In a significant step towards improving early childhood education and addressing malnutrition, Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif officially launched the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Feeding Programme for the 2024/2025 financial year on Monday, January 20, 2025.
The initiative is set to benefit 35,238 young learners across 355 ECDE centres in the county.
The programme underscores the county’s commitment to nurturing the next generation by enhancing educational access and ensuring proper nutrition for children.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Khalif emphasized the transformative role of education in shaping the future of Mandera County.
“Education remains a cornerstone of social transformation in Mandera. This programme is a critical investment in the future of our children and the prosperity of our county,” said Governor Khalif.
Increased Budgetary Allocations and Strategic Impact
Governor Khalif highlighted the county administration’s dedication to education, as evidenced by the increased budgetary allocations for the ECDE feeding programme over the past two years.
The enhanced funding has led to improved nutritional well-being and academic focus among learners, while also boosting enrolment and retention rates in ECDE centres.
“With the additional funding, we have not only improved access to education but also ensured that our learners are healthier and more focused in class,” he stated.
This year, the county plans to distribute 125 tonnes of Unimax porridge to ECDE centres, a move Governor Khalif described as essential for supporting both the physical and academic development of the children.
“This will ensure that our young learners receive the nutrition they need to thrive academically and physically,” he explained.
Rising Enrolment and Expanding Access
The ECDE sector in Mandera County has seen remarkable growth under Governor Khalif’s leadership.
Enrolment has increased from 23,499 in 2021 to 35,238 by December 2024, representing a 28% rise.
Additionally, the number of ECDE centres has grown from 312 to 355 during the same period, marking a 13.8% expansion in educational infrastructure.
Governor Khalif attributed this success to strategic interventions and the collaborative efforts of education stakeholders, including the implementation of recommendations from an education task force established during his administration’s first year.
A Call to Action for Parents
In his address, Governor Khalif urged parents to take full advantage of the feeding programme by enrolling their children in ECDE centres.
“Education is the key to a brighter future and an essential tool for empowering our communities. I urge parents to bring their children to these centres,” he emphasized.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The county has also partnered with organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) to ensure the sustainability and quality of the feeding programme.
These partnerships have played a pivotal role in delivering nutritious meals to children across Mandera County, further reinforcing the programme’s success.
Governor Khalif’s Full Speech
During the launch, Governor Khalif delivered an inspiring speech, outlining his administration’s achievements and vision for the education sector.
He reaffirmed his commitment to implementing actionable strategies to address challenges in ECDE, TVETs, and Duksi-ECD integration programs, as recommended by the county’s education task force.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their collaboration in advancing the county’s education agenda.
“Your efforts are instrumental in fulfilling the aspirations outlined in my manifesto. Together, we are building a brighter future for Mandera County,” he said.
A Brighter Future for Mandera’s Children
The launch of the ECDE Feeding Programme for 2024/2025 marks another milestone in Mandera County’s journey towards educational transformation.
By investing in early childhood education and nutrition, Governor Khalif’s administration is paving the way for a generation of healthier, more educated, and empowered individuals who will contribute to the county’s prosperity.