Swimming Pool
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Kiambu County has announced plans to construct swimming pools for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) schools throughout the region.
This initiative was revealed by Governor Kimani Wamatangi on January 24 via a statement shared on the social media platform X. While the governor has articulated the vision behind the project, financial details remain undisclosed.
The proposal entails the establishment of swimming pools in each administrative zone of the county, which is divided into 15 sub-counties, 33 divisions, 96 locations, and 245 sub-locations. Through this ambitious effort, the county seeks to offer amenities typically reserved for private institutions to public ECDE centres.
Governor Wamatangi emphasizes this intention, stating, “I will classify the ECDE centres under the county government into zones and build a swimming pool for every zone. Even the children in the public ECDEs will enjoy such amenities that were formerly the preserve of the private academies.”
Currently, Kiambu County operates 524 public ECDE centres and has been making strides in modernizing its educational infrastructure. Estimates indicate that the construction of these swimming pools could reach Sh100 million or more, particularly if commercial-sized facilities are developed.
For reference, the cost of a standard 12-meter by 6-meter pool ranges from Sh2.6 million to Sh2.8 million, while larger pools measuring 25 meters by 10 meters may cost anywhere from Sh5 million to Sh20 million, depending on size and complexity. In addition to this new initiative, Wamatangi’s administration has previously implemented supportive measures for ECDE pupils, such as providing exercise books and school uniforms free of charge.
A county feeding program ensures that children receive daily porridge, with eggs served three times a week and milk provided regularly. As of 2014, Kiambu County recorded an enrollment of 72,061 children across its ECDE centres, including baby class, nursery, and pre-unit levels.
This latest initiative to enhance educational facilities with swimming pools aligns with a broader commitment to holistic child development. Nonetheless, it is likely to provoke varied reactions amidst prevailing challenges such as high unemployment rates, water scarcity, and malnutrition within the county.