Kiambu: Kiambu County held its first-ever ECDE football tournament, bringing together young learners to promote physical development, teamwork, and holistic early childhood education.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event took place at Mayuyu Primary in Muchatha Ward and brought together young learners from across the county to participate in friendly matches aimed at fostering physical development and teamwork among children aged 3 to 6 years. Governor Kimani Wamatangi graced the event alongside ECDE Director of Sports Catherine Nduati and Muchatha Ward MCA.
"My government and I are committed to providing great education to our young ones. We want to empower and invest in early childhood education to our children from the early stages of their learning and we urge parents of these children to continue supporting us in our projects," the governor stated.
The football tournament started from the grassroots level, where ward ECDE had a competition, and winners of each ward proceeded to the sub-county level, followed by finals involving ECDE children from all over the county, held at Mayuyu Primary.
Ninety-five ECDE learners participated in the competition, with both teams provided with jerseys, balls, and referees who coordinated the matches. "We appreciate the county government of Kiambu together with Governor Kimani Wamatangi for bringing such a programme and supporting the ECDE learners. It is a good job from the governor, and we hope he will continue lifting the education programmes in Kiambu County," Nduati said.
Both runners-up and first-place winners received trophies and dart game boards. Teachers, learners who participated in the matches, and ECDE representatives were issued certificates as a form of appreciation. "This football tournament has brought ECDE children together as a family and has also benefited them in keeping fit. We, as parents, are happy and support this programme," said Solomon Kahiga, a parent's representative from Juja.
The ECDE football tournament not only showcased the talents of young learners but also highlighted the county's dedication to fostering early childhood education alongside the competency-based curriculum in the county.