By GPU
Bungoma County has taken a significant step towards improving early childhood development by endorsing the Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development (NCfECD) framework under the Smart Start Initiative.
The signing ceremony, held at Hunters Paradise Hotel, was led by Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany and witnessed by six First Ladies from various counties.
The initiative, a key project of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), was attended by County Executive Members, Chief Officers, and Bungoma County Assembly members. Deputy Governor Mbatiany highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts in child welfare, including the notable reduction in early teenage pregnancies from 21% to 19%.
Bungoma’s First Lady, Dr. Margaret Makelo, hailed the initiative as a crucial advancement for the region.
Initially piloted in Siaya by the Hilton Foundation in 2018, the Smart Start Initiative is now being implemented across seven counties, including Bungoma.
The program targets the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, with the goal of ensuring that all children aged 0-9 have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Among the LREB First Ladies in attendance were Dorothy Nyong’o (Kisumu), Betty Orengo (Siaya), Janet Kassily Barasa (Kakamega), Emily Nyaribo (Nyamira), and Agnes Ayacko (Migori).
