MOMBASA County—Jan 29, 2026—Mombasa County has hired more than 130 Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers and expanded a free school feeding programme to reach over 12,000 learners as part of efforts to improve access and quality early learning.
County officials say the interventions are aligned with the national ECDE policy, which prioritises infrastructure development, nutrition and teacher professionalisation to strengthen early learning outcomes.
In addition to staffing, the county is constructing new ECDE centres to replace temporary iron-sheet classrooms under the Ondoa Mabati programme. In Majaoni, one of the projects is about 80 per cent complete, with similar works ongoing in other wards.
Speaking on the reforms, Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir said the county’s focus is on improving learning conditions through better infrastructure, trained teachers and nutrition support.
“ECDE is the foundation of a child’s future. When we invest at this level, we are shaping the future of Mombasa,” Nassir said, adding that the programmes aim to ensure children from all backgrounds can access quality early learning.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the free feeding programme, citing improved enrolment and attendance, particularly in low-income communities where school meals serve as a critical source of nutrition for young learners.
County officials say the expanded investments are expected to further improve retention and learning outcomes across public ECDE centres.
