ECDE to be returned to TSC

Back to my Duty.

I still believe that County Governments must let it go the issue of employment of Early Childhood Development and Education Teachers to Teachers Service Commission. Reasons, they still seems to be overwhelmed by the devolve functions which in returns little concern is given to ECDE Sector. Even with constitution clearly stated roles of COG on Education, more county funds (in fact 85%) on Education are still being used on Primary, Secondary and University Bursaries which remains the responsibility of National Government through CDF and other agencies.

Unless they do it accordingly with the standard required by our Constitution and labours laws in Kenya including International Labour Organization (ILO) policies which Kenya is a signatory, they have no option but to let it go. Let COG remains with infrastructural development, resource mobilization and supervision.

I appreciate the normative foundation of the devolved system of government under Article 6(2) of the Constitution which provides that the two levels of government are distinct but inter-dependent and shall conduct their mutual relations on the basis of consultation and cooperation. With the objects of devolution under Article 174 of the Constitution, I still request the COG to allow TSC with employment responsibility with regular consultations based on good faith are inevitable.

Therefore, my team will petition both Senate and National Parliament to consider if there is need for legislation action required or referendum to make it possible for this to happen.

Investing in young children is a moral, economic, and social responsibility of the government which needs no negotiation .Early childhood development will not only benefit the children of today, but will have a direct impact on the stability and prosperity of our nations in the future.

David O Ochola
Chief Executive Officer
Competence Building Society of Early Childhood Education for Kenya