Kimilili MP and Bungoma County gubernatorial hopeful Didmus Barasa has criticized the state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in the county, saying years of under-development have denied young learners a strong foundation.
Addressing residents of Bukembe West Ward during a public rally on Tuesday, January 20, Barasa said Bungoma’s future is at risk if early learning continues to be neglected.
Barasa alleged that ECDE centres across the county lack basic facilities, forcing children to learn in poor and bad environments.
He pledged that if elected governor, his administration would prioritise ECDE by constructing modern centres equipped with classrooms, learning materials and playgrounds to support holistic child development.
“ECDE is not just about classrooms. Our children need space to play, interact and grow,” Barasa said.
He added, “Every ECDE centre will have a proper playground so that learners develop physically, mentally and socially.”
He accused the current county administration of failing to invest adequately in early education arguing that neglect at the foundational level affects performance throughout the education system.
According to Barasa, improving ECDE is key to producing disciplined, skilled and competitive learners in the future.
The Kimilili MP also outlined his broader development agenda, touching on healthcare, vocational training centres (VTCs) and road infrastructure.
He said many health facilities in Bungoma are ill-equipped and understaffed, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic medical services.
“Our people are suffering because health facilities lack equipment and medicine. We must invest in healthcare so that quality services are accessible to everyone,” he said.
On vocational training, Barasa said VTCs will be strengthened and properly funded to equip young people with practical skills.
He noted that empowering youth with hands-on training would help curb unemployment and reduce dependence on white-collar jobs.
“Youth need skills, not promises. Strong vocational centres will give them the tools to create jobs and earn a living,” he said.
He further promised to improve the county’s road network, saying poor roads have hindered trade, access to markets and service delivery.
Further, Barasa dismissed his opponents singling out Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, whom he accused of lacking a clear agenda for Bungoma County. He argued that leadership should be judged by performance, not rhetoric.
“Some people want to lead Bungoma but they have no agenda. Development speaks louder than words,” Barasa said.
The Bungoma gubernatorial race is expected to be highly competitive, with other aspirants including businessman Zacharia Barasa, former governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi among those seeking the seat.
Barasa also pledged to support business people, boda boda operators and youths, describing them as the backbone of the county’s economy. He said his government would create a favorable environment for small businesses through better infrastructure, access to capital and supportive policies.
“Boda boda riders, traders and young people will be at the centre of my development agenda. When they thrive, Bungoma thrives,” he said.
