ECDE Autonomy at Stake: Governors Reject TSC Control
ECDE Autonomy at Stake: Governors Reject TSC Control. The Council of Governors (CoG) has adamantly rejected the proposed education reforms from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER), citing them as a potential setback for devolution. Headed by Governor Eric Mutai, the CoG’s Education Committee voiced concerns about the suggested integration of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers under primary school heads appointed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), emphasizing the crucial need for ECDE autonomy.
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Governor Mutai, speaking after the committee meeting in Nairobi, criticized the envisioned comprehensive school system. Stressing the importance of respecting delineated functions in the Constitution. He highlighted the absence of an accountability framework for the proposed Head of Institutions at the county level regarding the management of pre-primary schools.
The CoG strongly contested a proposal for the Ministry of Education and TSC to collaboratively develop an intergovernmental framework for hiring pre-primary teachers, deeming it unacceptable. Mutai highlighted that, according to a High Court ruling. The authority to hire pre-primary teachers falls under the jurisdiction of County Governments.
Emphasizing the exclusive oversight of pre-primary education by devolved units. The CoG pointed out that counties collectively invest up to Sh8 billion annually to support ECDE centers. Governor Mutai declared that the CoG would boycott the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee to express disapproval of the education reforms.
Furthermore, Governors opposed an amendment to the Education Act, which would grant County Commissioners. Appointees of the national government, a leading role in County Education Boards. The CoG asserted that this move contradicts the gains of devolution, especially considering that ECDE is a fully devolved function.
PWPER’s recommendations for a comprehensive school system and a 2-6-3-3-3 Education Structure faced strong resistance from the CoG. The Munavu-led team proposed scrapping the four-tier clustering of public secondary schools. Suggesting a career-oriented categorization into three broad clusters: STEM, Social Science and Arts, and Sports Science.
In presenting these recommendations to President William Ruto. PWPER urged TSC to provide career progression guidelines for teachers in comprehensive schools and guidelines on Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training. Despite these proposals, the CoG remains steadfast in advocating for ECDE autonomy. Emphasizing its significance in preserving devolution gains amid the ongoing discourse on education reforms.