2026 Court Order Temporarily Suspended ECDE Training Merger
By Shiled Jerono | Updated October 9, 2026
A Ministry of Education circular dated January 19, 2026 proposed merging the Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE) with the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE). The change drew opposition from teachers, senators and county leaders, and was challenged in court.
What the circular proposed
The circular introduced a combined Diploma in Teacher Education – Pre-Primary and Primary, discontinued the ECDE upgrade diploma for new admissions, and directed colleges to stop admitting students to the separate programmes. The Ministry presented this as a change to teacher-training structure; critics said early-years education requires specialist preparation and consultation with counties.
What the High Court ordered
On February 9, Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued an interim conservatory order suspending implementation of circular QAS/ECDE/7/1B/2/193. The order was temporary: it was to remain in force until the next mention date or further court orders. Contemporary reporting said the matter was scheduled for mention on March 3. The sources linked below do not establish a final judgment on the challenge, so the interim order should not be described as a final decision on the merits.
Why counties and teachers objected
The Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers argued that ECDE is a specialised, play-based field and that the policy was introduced without adequate public participation. County leaders also raised concerns because pre-primary education is a county function. In March, the Council of Governors said it had asked the Ministry to withdraw the circular, according to Kenya News Agency.
What trainees should check
Anyone applying to a teacher-training college should confirm the current programme, admissions status and examination-registration rules directly with the college and the relevant education authorities. Do not rely on the January circular alone: the court issued an interim suspension, and subsequent court or Ministry directions may affect what institutions can offer.
