ECDE Reforms in Line with Vision 2030

Kenya Vision 2030 has a major social pillar that aims at creating a comprehensive, equitable as well as a just society that is based on democratic ideals. Education and training is expected to be the major principle motivator towards the general realization of Vision 2030 for this country.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 makes education a basic right under the Bill of Rights where basic education is guaranteed for all children and the state is obliged to make its provision possible progressively. In light of Vision 2030, other levels of education and training such as technical and vocal education will play a crucial role in transforming the country to a middle income economy. Education and training is expected to take leadership in development of skills and knowledge to all Kenyans geared towards the achievement of the aspirations of Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 aims at integrating ECDE into the basic education as a way of improving quality of ECDE in all public schools in the country, increase the access of education to all as well as improving sanitation and health status across all the institutions.

The goal of Vision 2030 on ECDE was informed by the fact that ECDE has always been left to community organizations such as churches and there has always been little input from the government apart from policy guidelines. The learning environment at this level of education was characterized by unconducive conditions for proper learning.

In order to increase access at this level of ECDE education, the government proposed that all public schools to start an ECDE center and also integrating the existing centers in primary schools. As at 2012, the process of providing capitation grants totaling Ksh 1.6 billion to about 19,000 public ECDE centers enrolled with 1.4 million children to support the expected changes had commenced.

The transforming of ECDE into basic education did not fully take place immediately due to inadequate funds but the ball is now rolling at a high speed in line with the Vision 2030. The enrolment in ECDE increased from 1.72 million children (885,320 boys and 834,925 girls) in 2008 to 1.914 million children (967,544 boys and 946,678 girls) in 2009 then to 2.37 million (1,175,530 boys and 1,194,518 girls) in 2011 and a further 2.405 million (1,199,041 boys and 1,206,464 girls) in 2012.

The Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) marginally increased from 59.8 percent in 2008 to 60.6 percent in 2009 then leaped to 65.6 percent in 2011 and further 66.3 percent in 2012. The NER increased from 43 percent in 2008 to 49 percent in 2009 then to 52.4 percent in 2011 and a further 53.3 percen in 2012 against the MTP target of 76.6 per cent. Overall, the MTP target for the period was not achieved. The low levels of NER are attributed to low participation level across the country, and in some of the regions children directly join primary schools without the relevant background and this tends to increase repetition and drop-out levels as a result of poor academic performance.

Source: Kenya Vision 2030 Medium Term Plan II Education and Training Report.

Article by Juma Fred.