Understanding Child Stimulation and Brain Development in Urban Informal Settlements of Kenya

Published On: April 7, 2026
Factsheet
Early Childhood Development (ECD), Research

The first 1000 days are foundational for children’s cognitive, language and socio-emotional development. However, children growing up in informal settlements face multiple challenges including socio-economic disadvantage that could constrain early stimulation during the most critical period of brain growth and development. The Neuroimaging Project examines how early stimulation through caregiver-child interaction influences early brain and cognitive development among children aged 6-24 months living in informal settlements in Kisumu and Nairobi. Using behavioral assessments alongside portable low-field or low-strength MRI scans conducted at Ngomongo Level II Hospital and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, the study links early caregiving experiences to structural brain growth and development. The project aims to generate evidence to inform targeted early childhood interventions and policy investments in low-resource urban settings.