The Senate of Kenya has raised serious concerns over a Ministry of Education directive proposing the merger of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teacher training with primary teacher education. County governments and education stakeholders warned that the move could disrupt early learning programmes and undermine the principles of devolution.
Senators Highlight Constitutional and Devolution Concerns
The issue was discussed during a meeting at Bunge Towers, where the Senate Standing Committee on Education engaged education professionals and the Council of Governors (CoG) to examine the implications of a circular issued by the Principal Secretary for Basic Education.
Sen. Betty Montet, Chairperson of the Senate Education Committee, emphasized that the matter goes beyond administrative adjustments:
“ECDE is a devolved function, and any policy change affecting counties must involve public participation and stakeholder consultation. The Senate will defend devolution and the integrity of our education system.”
Sen. Catherine Mumma (Nominated) echoed these concerns, noting that the proposal raises constitutional issues and should not be handled as a routine administrative change.
Sudden Policy Sparks Uncertainty
Machakos Senator Kavindu Muthama criticized the abrupt introduction of the directive, warning that it creates uncertainty for students already enrolled in ECDE programmes and for institutions that had admitted trainees under the existing guidelines.
“Sudden policy changes at foundational levels of education risk long-term disruption,” he said.
Sen. Seki Lenku Ole Kanar (Kajiado County) stressed that Early Childhood Education is a specialized field, requiring distinct training approaches. He cautioned that merging ECDE with primary education could dilute professional standards and weaken the foundation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua urged the Committee to examine the directive’s impact on counties, particularly regarding workforce planning and service delivery, emphasizing that decisions affecting devolved functions must be informed by data and expert advice.
Counties Raise Budget and Consultation Concerns
The Council of Governors, represented by Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Kipkoech Mutai, Chair of the CoG Education Committee, stated that counties were not consulted before the directive was issued. He warned that the merger could strain county budgets and reverse progress made in early childhood learning.
Experts Warn About Professional and Academic Impact
Education stakeholders from universities and teacher training institutions emphasized that Early Childhood Education is play-based, care-oriented, and research-driven, requiring specialized training. They cautioned that the merger could threaten clear academic and professional pathways, from certificate to doctoral level, for early childhood educators.
Senate Actions
The Senate Education Committee announced that it will compile feedback from the engagement and consult with the Ministry of Education. Several senators suggested that the circular may need to be withdrawn or suspended until comprehensive stakeholder consultations are conducted.
“We must ensure that foundational education is not compromised and that policies respect the devolved mandate of counties,” said Sen. Montet.
