Mombasa ECDE Pupils to Get Free Education: Governor Nassir Makes Major Announcement

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has delivered a major boost to early childhood education in the county by announcing that pupils in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers will no longer pay school fees. This policy change, effective immediately, aims to increase access to quality education for all children in Mombasa, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

"Education is the bedrock of any society," Governor Nassir declared at a press conference held on Monday, December 18, 2023. "We want to ensure that every child in Mombasa has the opportunity to get a good start in life, and that starts with making ECDE education free and accessible for all."

The move aligns with Governor Nassir's vision of making Mombasa a hub for education and innovation. He believes that investing in early childhood education is crucial for laying a strong foundation for future success. The free education policy is expected to attract more families to enroll their children in ECDE centers, thereby boosting enrollment rates and contributing to a more educated populace.

"We understand that the cost of education can be a burden for many families," Nassir acknowledged. "By removing school fees, we are removing one of the barriers that prevents children from accessing quality education. We want to make sure that every child in Mombasa has the chance to reach their full potential."

The Governor's announcement was met with cheers and applause from parents and education stakeholders present at the press conference. Many lauded the move as a game-changer for early childhood education in Mombasa.

"This is a great day for Mombasa," said Aisha Omar, a mother of two young children. "I was worried about how I would afford to send my kids to school next year, but now I don't have to worry anymore. This is a huge relief for many families like mine."

The free education policy will cover tuition fees, as well as the cost of learning materials and uniforms. The county government has allocated additional funds in the budget to cater for the program, ensuring its sustainability and effectiveness.

Governor Nassir's initiative is not without its challenges. Expanding access to free education necessitates increased resources and infrastructure to accommodate the potential rise in enrollment. However, the Governor expressed confidence in his administration's ability to meet these challenges and ensure the success of the program.

"We are committed to making this work," Nassir stated. "We have the resources, the dedication, and the will to make early childhood education free and accessible for all children in Mombasa. This is an investment in our future, and we are confident that it will pay off in dividends for generations to come."

Mombasa's move towards free ECDE education sets a precedent for other counties in Kenya and could inspire similar initiatives across the country. By prioritizing early childhood education and making it accessible to all, Mombasa is taking a positive step towards building a brighter future for its children.