KNEC CEO calls for strong ECDE, VTCs coordination between county and national government

The Kenya National Examination Council, (KNEC) Chief Executive Officer, CEO David Njegere has called for a strong coordination of the devolved Early Childhood Development and Education, (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) by both the national and county government to strengthen the gain.

Speaking during the 15th years 2010 Constitution commemoration, the council CEO said that the 47 devolved governments have built and equipped ECDE centres, recruited teachers and expanded access to early learning for four to six-years-old, however lack of clear framework  to monitor the progress still ails the two devolved units.

“If we want to achieve quality, equity and inclusion, we should not let counties operate in isolation. We are one country and need a coordinated approach,” he said.

Dr. Njegere added that the national government is responsible for policy, curriculum, assessment, quality assurance, primary and secondary education and universities whereas counties oversee childcare centres, ECDE and VTCs, the issue he says leaves learners vulnerable.

ALSO READ:

Shock as Murang’a form three student leaves school to live with sugar mummy

The KNEC boss stresses the need to for uniform basic standards in Pre-primary education especially in infrastructure and teacher quality.

“A child in county A should not have a superior learning outcome compared to another in county B. As services and people move across counties, children should not be subjected to different learning standards,” Dr Njegere said.

He emphasizes that the ECDE is the most critical development stage, where nutrition, early stimulation and social interaction need to be nurtured, adding that early years from zero to five are foundational and if neglected, challenges may emerge in later learning journey.

He urges governors to prioritize ECDE and integrate care centres for children under pre-primary age.

KICD director Charles Ong’ondo also echoed Njegere’s sentiments adding that pre-primary syllabus needs overhaul and adequate learning materials.

ALSO READ:

Form four candidates need olympian fortitude to succeed

“Not every county has employed qualified pre-primary teachers thus raising the issue of adequacy. The most concerning matter is lack of teaching and learning resources,” Ong’ondo said.

He further said that ECDE learners need interactive learning materials like balls, clay ropes and toys to support the development of motor skills.

Prof Ong’ondo sympathized with the sorry state of VTCs across the country, which he says lack well-equipped infrastructures to absorb young people who dropped out after primary school. He added that when both governments work in collaboration such gaps shall be bridged.

He further urges counties to standardize ECDE teachers’ pay and books to make it easier for books distribution and guarantee that learners are using approved books by the ministry of education.

By Juma Ndigo