Uasin Gishu County Assembly at a past session. [Photo: file]
Early Childhood Education and Vocational Training in Uasin Gishu is set for a major improvement after the County Assembly adopted a policy that seeks to reform the sector.
The policy provides legal framework and offer guidance to ECDE and Vocational Training service providers with a view of ensuring development and quality services.
According to Kaptagat MCA Jonathan Ngetich, the policy will also see the introduction of feeding and nutrition programme to ECDEs, support support special services for the vulnerable children, and create room for infrastructure and in-services for the youth.
"This sector has faced many challenges ranging from inadequate funding, shortage of trained teachers, inadequate planning and the policy will go a long way towards addressing them as it provides a framework that guides on how to finance the sector," noted Ng'etich while moving the motion, Thursday.
Nominated MCA representing people living with disabilities (PLWDs) Florah Bartera seconded the motion noting that the policy will enable the county government to employ teachers who will cater for children with special needs.
“Issues of disabilities have been brought out so well in this policy. In the past we never had any concern on people living with disabilities. This policy is now encouraging that we have teachers to train and be able to cater for the cases that the PLWDs need,” said Ms Bartera.
Among the issues that the policy address include establishment of a strategy for inclusion of orphans and vulnerable children, ensure smooth transition of children from pre-primary to primary in line with Basic Education Act 2013, ensure that qualified, competent staff are recruited, create synergy, coherence in provision of quality ECDE services, ensure ECDE centres appropriate infrastructure and equipment.