Impact of Early Childhood Education on School Readiness in Kenyan Urban Settings,

Early childhood education (ECE) is recognised as a critical investment for enhancing school readiness among children in urban settings of developing countries. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design using data collected from 1,500 children aged between 4-6 years old across 20 urban schools. The study utilised validated questionnaires to gather information on educational experiences, socio-economic status, and school readiness indicators. The analysis revealed that early childhood education significantly improved school readiness scores by 38% among participating children compared to those without ECE exposure. Early childhood education plays a pivotal role in preparing urban Kenyan children for formal schooling. The findings underscore the need for increased investment and integration of ECE into urban education systems. Urban policymakers should prioritise the expansion and enhancement of early childhood education programmes to support school readiness and overall child development outcomes.