The Senate Committee on Education has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating standards of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) across several counties, warning that continued neglect could undermine the country’s education future.
Speaking during an oversight visit to Makueni County, the committee commended the region’s ECDE programs, describing them as a benchmark for other counties. Senators announced plans to conduct assessments in all 47 counties to evaluate classroom quality, the availability of learning materials, and the overall delivery of early learning services. They believe such evaluations will inform better planning, equitable resource allocation, and the development of tailored programs for young learners.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who hosted the delegation, emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated ECDE fund. He noted that many counties face chronic underfunding, resulting in dilapidated infrastructure, shortages of essential facilities, and poor learning environments for young children.
“The function involving ECDEs issues, including employment, should get deliberate funding from the national government through grants. In the next 10 to 15 years, we should not still be discussing cases where young children attend schools without roofs,” said Governor Mutula.
The Senate Committee underscored that ECDE is the bedrock of a child’s academic journey and overall development. They urged both national and county governments to prioritize investments in the sector, stressing that quality early learning significantly influences future academic performance and socio-economic outcomes.
As the committee embarks on its nationwide assessment, stakeholders hope the findings will lead to stronger policies and sustainable funding models to ensure every child has access to quality early education—regardless of their county of residence. The senators maintained that securing the future of ECDE is an urgent national priority that demands coordinated action.
