Kenya is stepping up efforts to strengthen early childhood development by expanding developmental milestone monitoring, integrating nurturing care into maternal and child health services, increasing community engagement and providing greater support for perinatal mental health.
Speaking at the 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said investing in the early years of a child’s life is critical to building a healthier, better-educated and more productive population.
Muthoni said the early stages of childhood provide an important foundation for lifelong health, learning and productivity, making it essential for families, communities and government institutions to give greater attention to children during their formative years.
According to the PS, 78 per cent of Kenyan children aged between 24 and 59 months are currently meeting expected developmental milestones. While describing the progress as encouraging, she said greater investment and coordinated interventions are needed to help Kenya move closer to the global target of having 95 per cent of children developmentally on track.
Kenya is also integrating nurturing care into maternal and child health services to ensure that children receive the health, nutrition, stimulation, protection and responsive care needed for healthy development.
The strategy further places emphasis on the role of families and communities in supporting children’s development. Through stronger community engagement, the government seeks to equip parents, caregivers and community structures with the knowledge and support required to create environments where young children can thrive.
Mental health support for mothers and families during the perinatal period is also being prioritized as part of the broader early childhood development agenda. The approach recognizes that the wellbeing of parents and caregivers can influence the quality of care and support available to young children.
Muthoni reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the Regional Early Childhood Development Strategy, stressing the importance of stronger collaboration among families, communities and government sectors.
She said closer coordination between the health, education and social protection sectors would be necessary to address the different needs of children and ensure that interventions are delivered in an integrated manner.
The emphasis on cross-sector collaboration reflects the understanding that early childhood development extends beyond healthcare and requires coordinated action in areas such as education, nutrition, social protection, mental health and child welfare.
Kenya’s efforts come as countries across Africa continue to strengthen policies and programmes aimed at improving outcomes for children during the critical early years of life.
The focus is increasingly shifting towards early identification of developmental challenges, support for caregivers and the creation of conditions that allow children to reach their full potential.
With 78 per cent of children aged 24–59 months currently reported to be developmentally on track, Kenya now faces the challenge of closing the remaining gap and ensuring that progress reaches children across all communities.
The 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa began on August 25 in Addis Ababa and is expected to conclude on Friday, August 28.
The meeting brings together health leaders and stakeholders from across the African region to discuss key public health priorities and strategies for improving health outcomes on the continent.
