Stakeholder engagement and partnerships strengthening

Objective: To strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) systems by fostering collaboration between government and civil society, with a focus on improving policy frameworks, governance structures, coordination mechanisms, and sustainable financing. The objective also includes generating and using evidence from research to inform advocacy and decision-making for better ECD outcomes.

Geographical Scope: National-level engagement with a systemic approach, influencing policy and strategic direction across the country, while supporting implementation at the sub-national (county) level through collaboration with structures such as the Council of Governors. This ensures alignment between national priorities and county-level service delivery.

Impact:

1. Improved awareness and prioritization of ECD among key stakeholders.
2. Strengthened multisectoral collaboration and coordination.
3. Enhanced policy and governance frameworks supporting ECD.
4. Increased advocacy leading to greater commitment and investment in ECD.
5. Better alignment between national policies and county-level implementation.
6. Growing body of evidence to inform programming and policy decisions.

Key Lessons from the Advocacy Journey:

1. Collective voice drives policy influence: Effective policy change requires an inclusive, coordinated approach where government, civil society, and communities actively contribute and are represented.
2. National & subnational synergy is essential: Strong alignment and collaboration between national and county governments are critical for translating policies into meaningful, child-centered implementation.
3. County Assemblies are key to prioritization: Given the devolved governance structure, County Assemblies play a pivotal role in influencing budget allocation, legislation, and oversight for ECD. Their engagement is essential for increased financing and sustained prioritization.
4. Government & CSO collaboration strengthens impact: Government efforts are significantly enhanced through partnerships with Civil Society Organizations, which bring innovation, community reach, and accountability to ECD programming.
5. Data is central to decision-making: Reliable, timely, and accessible data is fundamental for advocacy, planning, and resource allocation. Establishing an integrated “one-stop” data system for children would greatly improve coordination and evidence-based action.
6. ECD must remain a non-negotiable priority: Children’s programs should be safeguarded beyond political transitions. Sustained commitment across changing administrations is necessary to ensure continuity and long-term impact.
7. Multisectoral approaches deliver holistic outcomes: Addressing children’s needs effectively requires coordinated action across health, nutrition, education, protection, and social services to support the holistic development of children.