SAGE Open (Nov 2023)

Stakeholders’ Perspectives of Enablers and Barriers to Successfully Implementing an Integrated Early Childhood Development Program in an Informal Urban Settlement in Kenya

  • Derrick Ssewanyana,
  • Marie-Claude Martin,
  • Vibian Angwenyi,
  • Margaret Kabue,
  • Kerrie Proulx,
  • Linlin Zhang,
  • Tina Malti,
  • Eunice Njoroge,
  • Carophine Nasambu,
  • Joyce Marangu,
  • Rachel Odhiambo,
  • Eunice Ombech,
  • Mercy Moraa Mokaya,
  • Emmanuel Kepha Obulemire,
  • Greg Moran,
  • Stephen Lye,
  • Kofi Marfo,
  • Amina Abubakar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231208986
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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Integrated early childhood development (ECD) programs boost child health and developmental outcomes. However, the factors contributing to the successful implementation of such programs in informal urban settlements are not well researched. We conducted 14 focus group discussions and 13 key informant interviews with 125 caregivers of children under the age of 5 years and stakeholders, exploring their views on enablers and barriers to implementing an integrated ECD program in an informal settlement in Kenya. Strategic engagement, capacity building, transparency, fair compensation of ECD workforce, communication skills, and the need to tailor ECD programs to local realities were discussed. An equity-focused implementation approach for integrated ECD programs is timely.