Trends of Education in Kenya: Inherent Inconsistencies and Challenges of Preschool Education in Kisii County, Kenya.

Abstract

Ensuring quality Education during a child’s formative years is the responsibility of every government. Devolution of Early Childhood to the county governmenst was a well thought plan but still challenges in the implementation of early childhood Development education (ECDE) still persists. Some counties have employed ECDE teachers while others have not. Majority of these teachers are employed on contract basis and others are paid by parents. Deficiencies exist in facilitating the involvement of all stakeholders. The study is informed by the challenges experienced in policy implementation, as well as inconsistence in preschool education by various county governments. The study aimed at assessing the trends of education in Kenya, inherent inconsistences and challenges of preschool education in Kisii County, Kenya. The study targeted all 968 (699 public and 269 private) preschools, 968 head teachers, 2357 ECDE teachers, 9 sub county education officers and 9 Sub-County ECDE officers. The sample included 344 head teachers, 657 ECDE teachers, 9 sub county education officers and 9 Sub- County Early Childhood Education Officers in the County. The study administered a questionnaire and an interview schedule. Questionnaires were filled by the head teachers and preschool teachers. The study found that 70.1% of the ECDE centres did not have enough qualified teachers to teach all the three level (baby class, nursery and pre-unit). In addition despite of the fact that play is an integral part of preschool learning only 28.5% of the school had enough playground for the pupils. During interviews head teachers identified the challenge of meagre payment of preschool teachers; lack of physical facilities and lack of land to expand ECDE centres. Generally there is low funding and implementation of ECDE Programmes in Kisii County. There is need for the improvement of ECDE services in Kisii County. The Kisii County government need allocate enough funds in the ECDE Sub-sector. There is also need for regular inspection and monitoring of all ECDE Centre.