By Samson Wire
Siaya County Government Communication Team are on the second day of an intensive three-day training on nurturing care, hosted by KMET at the Bondo Loch Hotel.
The workshop, part of the Smart Start initiative under the stewardship of Siaya County First Lady H.E. Betty Orengo, brought together the county’s Director of Public Communications, Petitions and Civic Education, Chrispine Omondi, alongside journalists and media professionals. Together they immersed themselves in evidence-based strategies designed to protect and maximize child development during the foundational first 1,000 days — the period from conception through a child’s second birthday when the brain undergoes its most rapid growth.
Scientific research paints a sobering picture of missed opportunities worldwide. More than 250 million children under five are at risk of failing to reach their full developmental potential, with rates climbing dramatically in sub-Saharan Africa — including Kenya — where figures frequently exceed 40–60 per cent in vulnerable communities. Preventable diseases such as malaria, pneumonia and HIV/AIDS continue to claim the lives of millions of young children, contributing to an estimated 20 per cent loss in adult productivity later in life.
The training underscored a striking timeline of brain development. At birth a baby’s brain is roughly 25 per cent of its adult size. By the first birthday it reaches about 50 per cent, climbs to 85 per cent by age three, and approaches 90 per cent by age five. With consistent nurturing care, the brain can reach close to its full 95 per cent potential by age eight. Every responsive interaction — a parent’s prompt reply to a baby’s babble, playful touching of objects, laughter shared over a toy, or encouragement during early crawling and walking — forges vital neural connections that support cognitive skills, emotional regulation, language acquisition and physical coordination.
KMET Director Dr Monica Ogutu and trainer Peter Lugulu guided participants through the five interconnected pillars of nurturing care endorsed by the World Health Organization and UNICEF: good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, safety and security, and rich opportunities for early learning. By addressing gaps in any of these areas early, caregivers and communities can prevent lifelong setbacks in education, health and economic contribution.
The training Coordinator was Ms Nancy Juma.
The programme’s long-term ambition is clear: equip communicators and the media — often described as the fourth estate — with accurate, compelling information so they can effectively share best practices across Siaya County and beyond. When parents, grandparents, health workers and community leaders receive timely, practical guidance on responsive caregiving and stimulation, entire generations stand to benefit.
Under First Lady Betty Orengo’s leadership, Smart Start continues to build momentum, forging partnerships that place child development at the heart of county priorities. By investing in the earliest days of life, Siaya is sending a powerful message: every child deserves the chance not merely to survive, but to thrive — unlocking healthier bodies, sharper minds and greater promise for Kenya’s future.
