Mombasa Governor Nassir unveils reforms to improve learning at ECDE centres

The county aims to boost enrolment and learner retention.

Speaking on the county’s ECDE reforms, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the interventions are aligned with the national government’s vision of ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to quality early learning.

“ECDE is the foundation of a child’s future. When we invest at this level, we are not just building classrooms, we are shaping the future of Mombasa,” said Governor Nassir.

“Our focus is on access, quality and dignity — from proper classrooms and trained teachers to nutrition that allows our children to learn effectively.

As part of efforts to improve learning environments, the county is constructing new ECDE centres under the Ondoa Mabati initiative, which seeks to replace makeshift iron-sheet structures with permanent, child-friendly facilities.

In Majoni, one of the flagship projects is already 80 per cent complete, with similar developments ongoing in other wards.

Governor Nassir noted that infrastructure upgrades are critical to creating safe and conducive learning spaces.

“We are moving away from mabati classrooms to permanent structures that reflect the value we place on our children. A dignified learning environment is essential for both learners and teachers,” he said.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the free feeding programme, citing improved attendance and reduced dropout rates, especially in vulnerable communities where many children rely on school meals as a primary source of nutrition.