Key Aspects to Understanding Preschool Education in Kenya

Early childhood development education is a crucial phase in a child’s social, psychological, spiritual, intellectual and mental development process. This is the foundation of a child’s schooling career and the basis from which the rest of their lives will be built on. Ensuring that your child receives the highest education as this pivotal stage is of the utmost importance.

The education system in Kenya

In 2017, the Kenyan Ministry of Education introduced a new education system into the country. The Competency-based Curriculum (CBC) replaced the old (8-4-4) system and spread learning into two, six, three and three (2-6-3-3) years.

The first level of education under CBC is at the pre-primary stage. It is divided into two levels:

Level 1 (Pre-primary 1) is for children aged four years.

Level 2 (Pre-primary 2) is for children aged five years.

In this early phase, the preschool education in Kenya covers the following learning areas:

Language and communication
Mathematics
Environment
Psychomotor (physical activity learning) and creative (music, arts and crafts)
Religion

What are the challenges of Kenyan early childhood education?

As with many African and third-world countries across the globe, rural Kenyan schools and government led schools face many challenges in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE). These include inadequate teaching and learning resources, socio-economic factors, financial constraints as well as a high teacher-child ratio with poor remunerations.

Inadequate teaching and learning resources
There are many ECDE centres across Kenya with inadequate teaching and learning resources and facilities - from a lack of properly ventilated classrooms and suitable furniture to safe, clean water, toilets and play material. Teachers lack adequate teaching and learning resources, which results in the inability to implement the ECDE Curriculum.
Socio-economic factors
A major factor associated in this regard is malnutrition and illness. These can damage the cognitive processing ability of a child. If a child is not adequately nourished and healthy, they struggle to grasp basic concepts and require extra hours of instruction.
Financial constraints
A lack of adequate funding for subsidised education, health care and school related expenses all have a negative impact on the implementation and success of the ECDE Curriculum.
High teacher-child ratio
In many Early Education Centres, the teacher child ration is rather high. This negatively impacts the teacher’s ability to spend individualised time with their students.
Poor remunerations
Teachers in the government sectors aren’t paid enough money to do their difficult jobs. This has a knock-on effect as many school leavers don’t follow the path of teaching.

Why is pre-school so important?

Pre-school education is critical in preparing children for primary education. Early childhood programmes have been created to provide a positive and early start for children. They help grow a child’s potential for lifelong adaptability, innovation and communication skills. These programmes also ensure the development of problem-solving skills, entrench the values of responsible citizenship and a respect for diversity.

How do you select the right pre-school for your child?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a pre-school for your child.

Location
Look at the schools in the vicinity of where you live or work. This will help ease the commute for you and your child.
School hours
With many parents both working full days, choosing a school with the hours that suit your family’s schedule makes life easier.
Teaching methods
There are various teaching methods on offer at schools across Kenya. From the Montessori curriculum to CBC, find out what the schools offer and what’s best for your child.
Schooling costs
Affordability is one of the major factors in choosing a school. Ensure you strike a balance between a school you can afford and one that’s going to give your child the best foundation.
Facilities
Formal education is just one part of the learning process. Children require much more to ensure that they receive a well-rounded education. Visit the schools you’re interested in and find out more about their facilities. Also bear in mind that if a pre-school is linked to or part of a primary school, you’ll only have to do one admission and your child can enjoy a seamless schooling career.
Speak to other parents
Often the best way to find out about a school is to talk to other parents whose children attend it. This first-hand information will give you a holistic view of the school, its culture and offerings.
School work
When visiting the schools, be sure to find out what work the learners do as well as the study material on offer.
Meals and sanitation
Knowing what your child will be eating at school is important. Proper sanitation is also vital. Find out what’s on the menu, who assists with feeding the children as well as who takes them to the bathroom.

Why should you choose Makini Pre-School for your child?

Makini Pre-School, one of Nairobi’s top pre-schools, prides itself on offering your child only the best education and schooling experience. With our unique blend of early childhood programmes, we focus on building a solid foundation for growth.

1. Parent-teacher relationships

Fostering an environment where every child can thrive is dependent on both teachers and parents. That’s why we work closely with parents and guardians, to help children achieve their potential and make incredible progress.

2. Holistic learning

We base the learning experience in holistic development with activities that will allow your child to develop their mental capacity, self-confidence, independence and build their character.

3. Engaged teachers

Our preschoolers are welcomed into a warm and loving environment, where their teachers make school a place of safety and fun.

4. Child centered learning

Learning through play enables a child to thrive in the school environment. Makini provides ample learning and play materials such as toys, flash cards, charts, cut outs and other learning resources. Group activities are encouraged to allow children to learn through their peers. We also stive to develop the learner’s self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence. Our learners also learn to express themselves freely. This is achieved through oral activities like free conversation, news telling, storytelling, rhymes, discussion and poem/verse recitations.

5. Nutritious menu

Healthy minds and bodies are reliant on a good diet and plenty of exercise. At Makini, our learners enjoy healthy and delicious meals as well as a wide variety of play activities both indoors and out.

6. Good learner behaviour

In order to build good social habits and learn acceptable values and behaviour, we teach our children life lessons such as how to use the toilet correctly, hygiene activities and good table manners. Through RE and PPI lessons, we also help foster spiritual and moral growth.

7. Curriculum

The Early Years Programmes comprise of:

Language activities
Mathematical activities
Environmental activities
Psychomotor and creative activities
Pastoral Programme of Instruction
Religious Education Activities (CRE/IRE Activities)

This programme allows us to enhance the following competencies:

Communication and collaboration
Critical thinking and problem solving
Imagination and creativity
Learning to learn
Self-efficacy
Digital literacy

8. Co-curriculum and Extra curricula activities

To develop self-awareness and character formation, the following activities and clubs are on offer:

Journalism club
Guidance and counselling
Drama and music club
Scouts club
Chess club
Child protection
4k club
Hula hoop and contemporary dance
Swimming
Football
Computer club
Creative club
Cookery club

Give your child the best foundation for a successful future. Bring your child to spend the day in our preschool and let them enjoy the rich Makini experience. Book a date today.

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Building Executive Function Skills in Primary School Children

February 10, 2026

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help children plan, focus, remember instructions and manage their behaviour. These skills act as the brain’s “control system,” guiding how children think, learn and interact with others. In primary school, strong executive function supports academic success as well as emotional maturity, independence and positive social behaviour. For parents and educators alike, understanding how these skills develop is critical to supporting child brain development in meaningful, practical ways. What Are Executive Function Skills? Executive function skills are commonly grouped into three core areas: 1. Working memory: This is the ability to hold and use information. For example, remembering multi-step instructions. 2. Cognitive flexibility. This is the ability to adapt, shift thinking and try new approaches. 3. Inhibitory control: This is the ability to pause, resist impulses and regulate behaviour. When a child remembers their homework, switches from maths to reading and waits their turn to speak, they are using executive functioning in kids in everyday situations. These skills develop gradually and are shaped by experience, guidance and environment. This is especially true during early and primary years. Read more on why early development is important. Why Executive Function Skills Matter in Primary School In school settings, executive skills directly affect learning as well as behaviour. · Working memory in children helps them to follow lessons · Self-regulation skills for students assists in managing emotions · Improving attention in school children is essential during tasks · Impulse control in classrooms helps to reduce disruptions Learners with strong executive functioning are better able to complete tasks, organise their work, manage frustration and collaborate with their peers. These skills also support independence and help children take responsibility for routines, deadlines and their personal behaviour. Key Challenges Children Might Face Some common signs of underdeveloped executive skills include: · Forgetting instructions or losing items · Struggling to switch between different tasks · Acting impulsively or interrupting the class · Difficulty managing emotions · Poor time awareness These challenges don’t mean that a child is lazy or incapable. They often reflect developing brain systems that simply need a little guidance and practice. How Parents Can Support Executive Function at Home Parents play a powerful role in shaping executive function. Simple daily strategies can be incorporated into their day to strengthen these skills naturally. Some helpful approaches include: 1. Create Structured Routines Consistent daily routines help children predict what comes next, strengthening organisation as well as emotional regulation. 2. Use Visual Schedules Charts or picture schedules support working memory in children by making expectations visible. 3. Play Memory and Focus Games Try matching card games, Simon Says, puzzles and sequencing games. These support attention, recall and flexible thinking. 4. Encourage Problem-Solving Let children help with cooking steps, packing school bags and planning simple outings. This builds independence and cognitive flexibility in primary education. When there is strong parental engagement, there is a direct impact on executive growth. Discover more on the impact of parental involvement . Classroom Strategies for Teachers Teachers are ideally positioned to reinforce executive skills on a daily basis. Some effective classroom strategies include: 1. Task chunking - Break assignments into smaller steps to reduce cognitive overload. 2. Use of timers and checklists – These are known to improve time awareness and self-regulation skills for students. 3. Positive Reinforcement - Praise effort, strategy and reflection, not just the outcomes. 4. Mindfulness and calm-down techniques - Simple breathing, quiet corners or reflection time can help strengthen emotional control and attention. These strategies are especially valuable in supporting impulse control in classrooms and improving overall learning flow. When to Seek Extra Help If challenges persist despite consistent support, children may benefit from professional assessment. Some signs for parents and educators to watch for include: · Chronic forgetfulness · Extreme impulsivity · Emotional dysregulation · Difficulty following basic routines Educational psychologists or SEN specialists can help identify neurodivergent patterns (such as ADHD) and guide tailored interventions. Early support ensures children build confidence rather than frustration. Encouraging Growth Through Play and Daily Practice Play is one of the most powerful tools for executive development. Activities that build executive function include: · Storytelling and role-play · Group games - Consider turn-taking or rule-based games · Pretend shops or restaurants · Reflection discussions about feelings or decisions These experiences strengthen executive functioning in kids in a natural and pressure-free way. Schools that prioritise early holistic learning , such as in strong preschool systems, give children a strong base for future academic success. Conclusion: Building Brains for Life Executive function skills are not fixed traits. They are trainable abilities that grow through consistent support, practice and patience. From working memory to impulse control, these skills shape how children learn, behave and relate to others. At Makini School we aim to create a supportive environment where our educators can nurture strong thinkers, confident learners and emotionally resilient students, building not just academic success, but lifelong capability. FAQs 1. What are the three main executive function skills in children? Working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. 2. How can I tell if my child has weak executive functioning? Frequent forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional difficulty and poor organisation are common signs. 3. What are fun activities to boost executive function in young children? Memory games, storytelling, puzzles, role-play and routine-based tasks. 4. How do executive function skills affect learning in school? They support focus, task completion, emotional control and classroom behaviour. 5. Can executive function skills be improved over time? Yes. With regular practice and supportive environments, executive skills develop steadily throughout childhood.