Lodwar, 25th April, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Department of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) and Social Protection and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) have initiated discussions on the formal transfer of 13 pre-primary education centers in the Kakuma refugee camp to the County Government.

During the meeting, Chief Officer for ECDE and Social Protection,  Paul Lodunga, expressed appreciation to LWF for its continued support in strengthening ECDE in the County.

 He welcomed the move to integrate the facilities into the county education system, noting that it aligns well with the Shirika Plan of Integration.

“The County Government is equally committed, in line with national government strategies, to implement initiatives that promote integrated learning in Kakuma,” Mr. Lodunga stated.

He emphasized the importance of intersectoral collaboration, particularly with the water and health departments to ensure the provision of essential educational infrastructure such as classrooms and sanitation facilities.

“It is my hope that this workshop will pave the way for a smooth transition of these learning centres and address the pressing issue of teacher shortages,” he added.

LWF Area Manager, Caroline Wainaina echoed the need for a structured roadmap to guide the handover process after the current four-year support period concludes.

She emphasized the importance of ensuring continuity of education even in the absence of donor funding.

“The handover is a testament to our commitment to inclusive integration. These centres will be open to all learners,” she noted.

The meeting also featured a plenary session that reviewed the status of ECDE centres across both the County and the Kakuma refugee camp.

Discussions centered on existing capacities, challenges facing the ECDE sector, and sustainability of the school feeding programme as part of the implications of incorporating the 13 additional centres.

With the County currently managing 1,105 ECDE centers, participants also highlighted the urgency of improving the teacher-to-student ratio and addressing infrastructural deficits.

The session concluded with a call to develop a comprehensive roadmap and ensure sustained learner retention and quality education after the transition.

Key stakeholders present at the meeting included KNUT Turkana Secretary General Peter Ewaat, representatives from the LWF education technical lead Baaqir Khadija, LWF team, Sub-County Education Directors and Ward Education Officers.