Education remains one of the most important pathways for improving opportunities for children, but concerns have emerged over the condition of learning facilities at Shononeka Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in Jilore Ward, Kilifi County.
The concerns were raised by Mvera Kazungu, chairperson of the Fimbo Youth Initiative in Kilifi County, who shared images showing what appeared to be poorly maintained and muddy classrooms at the early learning centre.
Kazungu questioned how education can serve as an equaliser when children are forced to learn in difficult conditions.
“Education is the greatest equaliser they say but how can it equalise when our children learn in conditions like this?” Kazungu said.
According to former Miss President Contesant, Shononeka ECD is located in Jilore Ward and has continued to face infrastructure challenges 13 years after the implementation of Kenya’s devolved system of government.
The images shared by the youth leader appeared to show classrooms with muddy and dirty floors, raising concerns about the environment in which young learners spend much of their school day.
Kazungu emphasised that ECD centres play a critical role in a child’s development, describing the classroom as the place where children begin their formal education, discover their abilities and develop the foundation for their future.
“This is not just a classroom; it is where our children begin their education, discover their abilities and build the foundation of their future,” she said.
The concerns come as county governments continue to shoulder significant responsibilities in early childhood education, including the development and maintenance of ECD infrastructure.
The condition of learning facilities has frequently featured in discussions about education inequalities in rural and marginalised communities, where some schools continue to struggle with inadequate classrooms, sanitation facilities and other basic amenities.
Kazungu called for greater attention to the needs of children in Jilore, insisting that residents deserve better learning facilities.
“Our children deserve better. We deserve better!” she said.
The concerns now place renewed focus on the condition of ECD infrastructure in Kilifi and whether county authorities are adequately addressing the needs of learners at the grassroots.