The Senate has raised serious concerns over a Ministry of Education directive proposing the merger of Early Childhood teacher training with primary teacher education, after county governments and education stakeholders warned that the move could disrupt Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and undermine devolution.
The concerns were raised during a meeting at Bunge Tower, where the Senate Standing Committee on Education engaged education professionals and the Council of Governors to interrogate the implications of a circular issued by the Principal Secretary for Basic Education.
Chairperson of the Senate Education Committee, Sen. Betty Montet, said the issue goes beyond administration and touches on constitutional safeguards. She noted that ECDE is a devolved function and any policy change affecting counties must be subjected to public participation and stakeholder consultation, adding that the Senate will defend devolution and the integrity of the education system.
Sen. Catherine Mumma, (Nominated), said the matter raises constitutional issues and should not be handled as a routine administrative change. She noted that ECDE is a devolved function and stressed the need for public participation and stakeholder consultation before any policy shift is implemented.
Machakos Senator Kavindu Muthama said the directive was introduced abruptly, creating uncertainty for students already enrolled in ECDE programmes and institutions that had admitted trainees under existing guidelines. She warned that sudden policy changes at foundational levels of education risk causing long-term disruption.
From Kajiado County, Sen. Seki Lenku Ole Kanar cautioned that Early Childhood Education is a specialised field requiring distinct training approaches. He warned that merging ECDE with primary education could dilute professional standards and weaken the foundation of the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua urged the Committee to closely examine the impact of the directive on counties, particularly on workforce planning and service delivery, noting that decisions affecting devolved functions must be informed by data and expert advice.
The Council of Governors was represented by the Kericho Governor, Dr. Eric Kipkoech Mutai, who is also the Chair of the CoG Education Committee. Governor Mutai told the Senate that counties were not consulted before the directive was issued, despite ECDE being a county function, warning that the move could strain county budgets and reverse gains made in early learning.
Education stakeholders from universities and teacher training institutions said Early Childhood Education is play-based, care-oriented and research-driven, requiring specialised preparation. They cautioned that the proposed merger threatens clear academic and professional pathways from certificate to doctoral level.
The Senate Education Committee said it will compile views from the engagement and engage the Ministry of Education, with several members indicating that the circular may need to be withdrawn or suspended until comprehensive consultations are conducted.