The Homa Bay County government has launched an ambitious plan to construct 160 new early childhood education (ECDE) classrooms as part of a rapid development strategy. The initiative, known as Genowa Ondoa Kaunda Classrooms, began on Friday at God Ndonyo Primary School in Kibiri ward, Karachuonyo constituency.
Governor Gladys Wanga announced that the program, which was a key element of her campaign platform, aims to benefit all 40 wards equally by providing each with an equal number of classrooms. In previous years, the administration managed to build 20 classrooms, with an additional 33 projects stalling midway. However, progress has accelerated, with 80 classrooms constructed in the last financial year and plans to double that number to 160 in the current financial year.
Each classroom will be built at a cost of Ksh 1 million, with the funds being managed by the schools and local communities. Governor Wanga emphasized that this approach would also create job opportunities for residents in the areas surrounding the schools.
“The Public Procurement Act contains this type of contract. Funding at the municipal level is beneficial,” Wanga stated, highlighting the new method’s potential to help eliminate the county government’s outstanding bills. A project management committee will oversee each school’s project to ensure accountability and efficiency.
County Executive for Education Martin Opere explained that the devolved unit had created a blueprint for classroom construction, ensuring that every school will receive a single, identical facility. He urged Members of County Assembly (MCAs) to supervise the process and cautioned school administrators to be vigilant against individuals posing as county authorities.
“We intend to complete all buildings that have stalled in our schools,” Opere said. He also warned against dishonest practices, stating that the community would take strict action against those found guilty of mismanaging the allocated funds. “Make sure you finish building the classrooms on time. Anyone who loses money will face legal action,” he added.
The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the learning environment for early childhood education in Homa Bay, contributing to better educational outcomes for the region’s young learners.