Mombasa County has unveiled the Mama Ida Odinga ECDE and Daycare Centre in Maganda, Jomvu, reinforcing its investment in early childhood education through expanded learning facilities and support services for young children.

The centre was officially commissioned one year after the late ODM leader Raila Odinga laid its foundation stone during a visit to the area.

Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir said the project reflects his administration's commitment to ensuring children receive quality education from an early age while easing the burden on working families through daycare services.

He noted that the county has introduced free ECDE education, free school meals and better working conditions for ECDE teachers as part of broader reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes.

Nassir said the number of children enrolled in county ECDE institutions has risen from about 8,000 to 13,131, attributing the growth to increased investment in the sector.

"We made ECDE education free, introduced free meals for learners, employed hundreds of teachers and ensured they receive their salaries on time together with comprehensive medical cover," the governor said.

He also revealed that the county is preparing a maternal nutrition programme that will support expectant mothers before childbirth, saying the initiative is intended to improve children's health from the earliest stages of life.

The governor added that Mombasa continues to provide fully funded healthcare for all children below the age of five.

Speaking during the event, Mama Ida Odinga applauded the county for prioritising early learning, saying education remains the foundation of sustainable development.

"There is no greater investment than investing in the education of our children. Education prepares people for sustainable life," she said.

She praised Governor Nassir for completing the project after the foundation stone was laid last year, saying true leadership is measured by delivering lasting institutions that benefit future generations.

Mama Ida also encouraged parents and guardians to actively participate in raising and educating their children, stressing that every child possesses unique abilities that should be nurtured through quality education.

The ceremony was attended by Jomvu MP Bady Twalib, Maganda MCA Baya Kibwana and other county officials, who reaffirmed the county's commitment to expanding access to early childhood education across Mombasa.