Early Childhood Development in Kenya: Empowering Young Mothers, Mobilizing a Community (Mwana Mwende Child Development Project‪)‬

This article explores recent early childhood and community development work in rural Kenyan communities. We begin with a brief history and contemporary overview of early childhood care and education in Kenya, and then use examples from the Mwana Mwende (Treasured Child) community development project to illustrate some of the roles played by early childhood programs and community development centers in Kenya. In particular, we focus on how early childhood development (ECD) has mobilized the community on a range of issues affecting children and families, and then briefly describe Mwana Mwende's work with young mothers, youth, community health workers, teachers, parents, and community leaders. Finally, we link these examples to the broader theme of increasing democratic participation of communities on behalf of their children. Contexts of Early Childhood Care and Education in Kenya