Senate Committee Flags Gaps in Kilifi ECDE Services

The Senate Standing Committee on Education has raised concern over the state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) services in Kilifi County, citing low enrolment, inadequate learning materials, poor infrastructure and challenges in the implementation of capitation.

The concerns emerged during an oversight visit to Mgurureni Sabaki ECDE Centre and Malindi Central Comprehensive ECDE Centre as part of the 5th Edition of Senate Mashinani, an initiative aimed at bringing the Senate closer to communities and assessing the delivery of devolved functions.

Low Enrolment and Poor Learning Conditions at Mgurureni Sabaki

At Mgurureni Sabaki ECDE Centre in Magarini Constituency, the Committee found that 48 learners in PP1 and PP2 were being served by two teachers and one head teacher.

The Committee was informed that an estimated 200 children in the surrounding community remain out of school, with the cost of education and feeding among the factors contributing to low enrolment.

Parents currently contribute KSh1,000 per learner per term, in addition to meeting the cost of the centre’s daily porridge programme.

Committee Chairperson Sen. Betty Montet questioned why parents were still paying fees at ECDE centres despite the policy on free basic education.

The Senators also raised concern over inadequate furniture and learning materials, with some learners reportedly sitting on sacks due to a shortage of desks and chairs. The centre was also found to lack sufficient books, proper sanitation facilities, a perimeter fence and an access road.

The Committee was further informed that the centre had not received capitation, had yet to be formally registered and was operating on land with an outstanding debt of KSh150,000.

Sen. Nderitu Kinyua expressed concern over the low enrolment despite the large number of children living in the area, while Sen. Seki Ole Kanar called for urgent improvements to the learning environment.

Better Facilities at Malindi Central, But Gaps Remain

At Malindi Central Comprehensive ECDE Centre, the Committee found relatively better facilities, including equipped classrooms, toilets, a playground and play materials.

However, the centre still lacked a kitchen, a water storage tank and electricity. The County Government said plans were underway to install solar power.

The Committee was informed that ECDE centres receive KSh900 per learner annually in capitation, with half of the allocation having already been disbursed.

Senators Call for Stronger Investment

The Senators called for increased investment in ECDE infrastructure, learning materials, sanitation, feeding programmes, staffing, capitation and improved access to centres.

Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Education Hon. Felkin Kaingu Ndena acknowledged the concerns and committed the County Government to follow up on the issues raised.

He said the County would work to improve the implementation of capitation, provide more learning materials and establish a more consistent feeding programme.

The Committee said findings from the oversight visit would form part of its report and guide further engagement with the Kilifi County Government on improving ECDE services.

The visit underscored the importance of sustained investment in early childhood education, which forms the foundation of children’s progression through the wider education system.

By Mevin Getembe
ICTV E-Press Parliament Reporter