Machogu Sets Record Straight on ECDE Centres Takeover Speculations
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu clarified that the national government has no plans to take over Early Childhood Development Education Centres (ECDE).
The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms had suggested establishing a comprehensive school system, with a single head overseeing all levels of learning, leading to objections from governors.
“The national government has no reason to interfere with the functions of county governments as laid down in the constitution,” Machogu said.
Governors argued that the proposal undermines devolution, violates the constitution, and lacks an accountability framework for the management of ECDEs by proposed institution heads.
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They emphasized that the hiring of pre-primary teachers falls under the jurisdiction of county governments, and they refuse to participate in any legislative process related to the recommendations.
Speaking at Mumbi grounds in Murang’a County during the County Education Day, Machogu emphasized the collaborative efforts between the national and county governments in education matters.
He reiterated the adherence to the constitution, which assigns specific roles to each level of government, highlighting the constitutional provision in schedule four that designates ECDEs as a function of counties.
While acknowledging that ECDEs often share facilities with primary schools managed by the national government, Machogu justified the proposal for a comprehensive school system. He stated that the decision ultimately rests with MPs.
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Notably, there are approximately 3,000 pre-primary schools managed by county governments, hosting over 54,000 pre-primary teachers and catering to more than 2.3 million learners.
Responding to the concerns raised by governors, the Inter-Governmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) called for further consultations between the two levels of government and scheduled a meeting for January 16.
Machogu commended Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata for implementing a feeding program benefitting over 42,000 ECDE learners with a daily cup of porridge.
Stressing the importance of a solid foundation for ECDE learning, Machogu emphasized that a proper foundation ensures children can navigate primary school and subsequent levels of education more effectively.
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Machogu Sets Record Straight on ECDE Centres Takeover Speculations
