Impact evaluation of the Tayari preschool program in Kenya

Project Period

January 2015 - January 2018

The Tayari preschool program is an early childhood education (ECE) model implemented by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) and evaluated by the APHRC. The program, running from 2015 to 2018, aims to develop a cost-effective, scalable models of ECE that ensure 3-6 years old children in Kenya are mentally, physically, socially and emotionally ready to start and succeed, in primary school.

The Tayari model targets preschools in both public and low-cost private centres (LCPC) in three counties of Laikipia, Nairobi and Uasin Gishu. The intervention consists of four key classroom instruction components: student materials, teacher guides, instructional training, and ongoing coaching support. In addition, the instruction materials will integrate psychosocial and health/nutrition components. The intervention is expected to benefit over 75,000 children in 1,500 ECE centres across Kenya by 2018.

As the program’s external evaluator, APHRC’s role in Tayari is to (a) assess the impact of the program on preparing children for primary school, (b) assess the cost-effectiveness of the program, and (c) assess the sustainability of the program.