Assessment of Community Support Grant on Early Childhood Development Education Programme in Kenya: A Case of Eldoret East District, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

The study looked at the assessment of the Community Support Grant on Early Childhood Development Centers, in Eldoret East District of Uasin-Gishu County. The main objective of this study was to assess Community Support Grant (CSG) on Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in the study Centres. The study was based on a conceptual framework on the objectives of ECDE curriculum in Kenya and how CSG fund enhanced achievement of the holistic development. The study used a descriptive survey design. Combinations of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were used. The instruments used were questionnaire, structured interview and observation checklist. The research used purposive sampling in the selection of the population where 72 respondents from 24 Centres were selected for the research. The respondents were 2 ECDE teachers per school and a head teacher of each of the ECDE Centres selected. The data was coded and analyzed by use of measures of central tendency, that is, mean, mode and percentages. The analyzed data was presented in tabular and graphical form. The researcher found out that CSG has led to an increase in enrolment in ECDE Centres, teaching and learning materials were found to be adequate and this has enhanced learning although the funding was considered inadequate. There is therefore need to sensitize the community on CSG so that it’s not mistaken with Free Primary Education (FPE). This will make parents to offer support and to demand accountability from the administration. There is also need for the Government to employ Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers to motivate them and to ensure efficiency in their delivery. The study will be of Significance to the Ministry of Education and ECD development in Eldoret East District. It will help the management committee of the CSG at the Ministry of Education to consider the need of sourcing for more funds to improve on the teaching and learning Environment. It will help the Ministry of Education to get feedback on how the funds have been utilized, to streamline, and make better the running of CSG fund.