Impact of Early Childhood Development Programmes on School Readiness in Nairobi Slums: A Three-Year Evaluation Study

Early childhood development (ECD) programmes are crucial for fostering school readiness in Nairobi slums, where access to education is often limited. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including interviews with caregivers and teachers, focus group discussions with parents, and observations at selected ECD centres and primary schools. Children who participated in the ECD programmes exhibited higher levels of socio-emotional development (58% improvement) compared to those not enrolled. The findings suggest that early intervention through ECD programmes significantly enhances school readiness, particularly for vulnerable children in Nairobi slums. Investment in comprehensive ECD services should be prioritised to support the holistic development of young children and improve educational outcomes.