Garissa County joined fellow members of the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), county governments, and development partners at a high-level strategic forum to strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) systems and improve outcomes for young children and their caregivers across Kenya's frontier counties.
The forum brought together policymakers, technical experts, county officials, and development partners to discuss innovative approaches to ECD service delivery, while providing a platform for cross-county learning, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices.
Participants explored strategies for expanding access to quality early childhood services and enhancing support systems for caregivers, recognizing the critical role early childhood interventions play in shaping lifelong development and well-being.
Garissa County's delegation was led by County Director for Early Childhood Development, Ahmed Bashir, who joined counterparts from other frontier counties in reviewing progress, sharing experiences, and identifying opportunities for strengthening ECD programmes.
The discussions highlighted the importance of integrated approaches that combine education, nutrition, health, child protection, and parental support to ensure children receive holistic care during their formative years.
The forum also showcased successful county-led initiatives and innovative models that have improved access to ECD services in underserved and remote communities.
Participants emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between county governments and development agencies to address persistent challenges affecting young children and caregivers, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
County representatives reaffirmed their commitment to investing in policies and programmes that prioritise the needs of young children, noting that strong ECD systems are essential for building healthy, resilient, and productive communities.
They further underscored the importance of continuous learning and collaboration among counties to accelerate progress and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The strategic engagement marks another step forward in the collective efforts of frontier counties to strengthen early childhood development systems, improve service delivery, and create a supportive environment where children and caregivers can reach their full potential.