Governors Calls On Gov’t To Retain ECDE Centres Under Counties
The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee has stepped in to address the disagreement between county and national governments on ECDE center management. Contrary to the Council of Governors’ claim, the committee refutes the national government taking over the ECDE function.
Chairman Kithinji Kiragu has scheduled a January 16 meeting to address the deadlock, urging adherence to legal provisions.
ALSO READ: Governors Reject National Government Takeover of ECDE Centers
“The purpose of this meeting is to provide an avenue for consultations on the recommendations relating to the implementation of the pre-primary functions as envisaged by the law,” he said.
The CoG opposes the Presidential Working Party’s suggestions on ECDE, citing conflicts with the Kenyan Constitution. Disputing the transfer of over 30,000 ECDE centers to the national government as unconstitutional, the CoG plans to boycott future intergovernmental committee meetings.
Governors Mutai and Barchok assert that county functions won’t move to the national government, opposing the ECDE transfer proposal. This stance was declared during the launch of a Sh141 million scholarship initiative in Bomet.
Additionally, Mutai calls on the national government to release a Sh3 billion conditional fund previously earmarked for supporting vocational learning centers in 2018.
ALSO READ: Governors Oppose Machogu’s Plan to Transfer ECDE Centers to Primary School Head Teachers
Mutai emphasizes the need for funding in ECDE function transfer, highlighting delays in teacher payments due to insufficient devolved funds. Both governors stress collaborative efforts to ensure early learners’ well-being across all 47 counties.
Expressing concerns, the CoG rejects the proposed Head of Institutions accountability framework, declaring withdrawal from legislative processes.
Nakuru Governor Kihika supports the CoG’s decision, asserting ECDEs should remain under counties. The Council formally withdraws from the task force report.
“As governors, we are saying ECDEs remain under counties…we have seen jitters and some teachers want it to go back to the national government,” said Kihika
ALSO READ: Headteachers Take Over ECDE from County Govts as Comprehensive Schools Reopen in January
In a statement, Mutai declared the CoG’s withdrawal from legislative processes associated with the recommendations. This includes the previously scheduled January 16 meeting organized by the Inter-Governmental Relations Technical Committee.
Governors Calls On Gov’t To Retain ECDE Centres Under Counties
