Nairobi Deputy Governor Anne Kananu has announced that the county was in the process of hiring 520 teachers.
Speaking during the launch of the Free Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) on Tuesday, March 16, the DG noted the teachers would be posted to various centers around the city.
She further revealed that the county was looking to ensure a continual replacement for those who leave the service through natural attrition.
Kananu made the revelations in the presence of Chief Administrative Secretary, State Department of Education Sarah Ruto.
She further announced that the county had set aside Ksh116 million to ensure free ECDE education for all pupils in in public institutions.
Ksh80 million from the kitty is expected to benefit over 30,000 pupils enrolled in 232 ECDE centers across the City. Each child will receive Ksh3,200 shillings and those with special needs Ksh 3,300.
"Today marks 3 years since Nairobi City County Government took a bold step to abolish all the levies in public pre-schools in Nairobi.
"During that period we have witnessed steady growth in enrollment from 13000 to over 25000. The goal is to double the number of children enrolled ECDEs in Nairobi to to 50,000 by 2022. My administration will continue investment on ECDEs," she stated.
The rest of the balanced, she revealed, would be used to build new classrooms as well as more schools in order to reach out to as many children as possible.
"This launch of Free ECDE Fund Program could not be more timely especially after the unprecedented closure of schools and subsequent re-opening with comprehensive measures to contain the Covi-19 Pandemic.
"These funds will go a long way in improving the physical facilities of our schools hence ensuring access and quality of education in our public ECDEs," she added.
Ruto lauded Nairobi County Government for the progress it made saying it was the most robust child care development plans and most compliance in terms of registration of ECDEs centers.
"Education is a journey which starts at early childhood education. 85% of a child's growth happen at the age of 5 years. Hence I recognize the Nairobi County Assembly's efforts for ensuring education sector has a budget for ECDEs," she remarked.
The event was also attended by representatives from Kenya Primary Schools Head teachers Association (KEPSHA), Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) secretary Nairobi Branch, County Secretary and County Executives.
