ECDE Control Clarification Amid Governor Resistance
ECDE Control Clarification Amid Governor Resistance. Ezekiel Machogu, the Education Cabinet Secretary, emphasized that the national government does not intend to take control of Early Childhood Development Education Centres (ECDE). In response to protests from governors opposing the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, advocating for a comprehensive school system, Machogu emphasized the collaborative efforts between national and county governments during the County Education Day in Murang’a County.
Governors expressed concerns about the proposal undermining devolution and violating the constitution. They particularly highlighted the lack of an accountability framework for the proposed institutions’ heads to report to county governments on ECDE management. Despite these objections, Machogu affirmed the national government’s respect for county functions and complementary roles outlined in the constitution.
Acknowledging ECDEs as a county function, Machogu recognized the current situation where some ECDEs share resources with primary schools managed by the national government. This context informed the proposal for a comprehensive school system, which he discussed during the County Education Day.
Machogu noted that many ECDE centers operate within primary schools overseen by head teachers, leading to the suggested reforms. He explained that this setup, where some ECDEs share staffrooms with primary school teachers, influenced the proposal for a comprehensive school system.
In conclusion, Machogu emphasized the need for collaboration and understanding between national and county governments in addressing education matters. Presently, county governments manage approximately 3,000 pre-primary schools, employing over 54,000 teachers and catering to more than 2.3 million learners.
ECDE Control Clarification Amid Governor Resistance.