Governor Kihika Launches Multiple Development Projects in Visoi Ward, Rongai Sub-County

Written by Niva Kimtai

Nakuru County Governor H.E. Susan Kihika today officially launched several development projects in Visoi Ward, Rongai Sub-County, including the newly constructed Umoja Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classroom. The state-of-the-art classroom is designed to provide a better learning environment for young learners, with age-appropriate furniture, a terrazzo floor, a ceiling board, and a well-equipped blackboard. This new facility aims to reduce overcrowding, as the current classroom accommodated over 80 learners from both PP1 and PP2 levels.

Governor Kihika highlighted that the Umoja ECDE project is one of many initiatives her administration is rolling out across the county to improve early childhood education. By creating conducive learning spaces, the county aims to enhance the quality of education and reduce congestion in classrooms.

In addition to the new classroom, the Governor emphasized the success of the School Feeding Program, one of her flagship projects. This program has improved enrollment and retention rates and significantly contributed to the overall health and well-being of learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through the Lishe na Mama Uji Program, learners receive nutritious porridge, which has positively impacted their cognitive abilities and performance in class.

The Governor noted that the program continues to play a crucial role in keeping children in school, ensuring that no child misses out on education due to hunger. The initiative also aligns with Governor Kihika’s broader vision of improving access to education for all children in Nakuru County.

During the event, Governor Kihika took the opportunity to announce the ongoing bursary application process for the first tranche of the 2024/2025 financial year. She encouraged eligible residents to apply for the bursary funds which are intended to ease the financial burden of school fees for families and allow students to focus on their studies.

The Governor also highlighted her administration’s commitment to Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) across the county. With 34 VTCs operating in Nakuru, Governor Kihika urged young people to enrol in these institutions, which offer skill-based training in various fields such as hairdressing, fashion and design, motor vehicle mechanics, and electrical and electronics engineering. In Rongai Sub-County, there are six VTCs located in Ogilgei, Mangu, Kware, Rongai, Ruiyobei, and Ol Rongai, offering diverse courses to equip students with marketable skills. The county government covers the tuition fees for all students, requiring them only to pay a small fee for lunch.

Rongai Sub-county boasts 135 public ECDE centres with an enrollment of over 5,600 learners and 60 county ECDE teachers. This high enrollment is largely attributed to the success of the Lishe na Mama Uji Program, which has been instrumental in encouraging more children to attend and stay in school. By ensuring that learners have access to nutritious meals, the program has greatly contributed to both their health and academic performance.

Governor Kihika reiterated her administration’s commitment to improving the education sector, stating,

“We are determined to create an environment where our children can thrive academically, regardless of their background. Through projects like the Umoja ECDE classroom, school feeding programs, and bursary schemes, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our young learners and their families.”

Governor Susan Kihika’s visit to Visoi Ward underscores her administration’s dedication to enhancing education and creating opportunities for the youth in Nakuru County. Through a combination of infrastructural improvements, feeding programs, and vocational training, the county is paving the way for a brighter future for its residents. With these initiatives, Nakuru County is well on its way to becoming a leader in early childhood education and skill development across Kenya.