Senators have raised serious concerns over a Ministry of Education directive proposing the merger of Early Childhood teacher training with primary teacher education, warning that the move could disrupt Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and undermine devolution.

In a statement posted on its Facebook account on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Parliament disclosed that the Senate Standing Committee on Education engaged education professionals and the Council of Governors at Bunge Tower to interrogate the implications of a circular issued by the Principal Secretary for Basic Education.

Constitutional concerns

Senators warned that the proposed merger goes beyond an administrative adjustment and raises constitutional questions, particularly on the protection of devolved functions.

Senate Education Committee chairperson Betty Montet said ECDE falls squarely under county governments, and any policy changes affecting it must be subjected to public participation and intergovernmental consultation.

She noted that the Senate would defend devolution and ensure that counties are not sidelined in decisions that directly affect their mandate.

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma echoed the concerns, cautioning against treating the directive as a routine administrative matter.

“This is a constitutional issue. ECDE is a devolved function and any policy shift must comply with the law, including public participation,” Mumma said.

Disruption fears

Machakos Senator Kavindu Muthama warned that the directive had been introduced abruptly, creating uncertainty for students already enrolled in ECDE programmes and institutions that had admitted trainees under existing guidelines.

“She warned that sudden policy changes at foundational levels of education risk causing long-term disruption,” the statement reads.

Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku Ole Kanar questioned the suitability of merging ECDE with primary education, noting that early childhood education is a specialised field.

“He warned that merging ECDE with primary education could dilute professional standards and weaken the foundation of the Competency-Based Curriculum,” the statement added.

Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, on the other hand, urged the committee to closely examine the directive’s impact on counties, particularly in workforce planning and service delivery, stressing that decisions affecting devolved functions must be informed by data and expert advice.

Counties, experts raise red flags

The Council of Governors, represented by Kericho Governor Eric Kipkoech Mutai, who chairs the CoG Education Committee, told senators that counties were not consulted before the directive was issued.

He warned that the move could strain county budgets and reverse gains made in early learning.

Education stakeholders from universities and teacher training institutions said Early Childhood Education is play-based, care-oriented and research-driven, requiring specialised preparation.

They cautioned that the proposed merger threatens clear academic and professional pathways, from certificate to doctoral level.

The Senate Education Committee said it will compile views from the engagement and engage the Ministry of Education, with several members indicating that the circular may need to be withdrawn or suspended until comprehensive consultations are conducted.