ABSTRACT
In 2006, the Kenyan Ministry of Education (MoE) developed an early childhood development education (ECDE) service standard guidelines to guide the ECDE stakeholders in provision of early childhood education (ECE) programmes. The study sought to investigate the implementation of the ECDE service standard guidelines on provision of physical facilities in ECE centres in Kakamega County. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Head teachers and ECE teacher were the study subjects. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The instruments were validated through expert judgement and pilot testing. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences in adherence to the government guidelines in provision of classrooms and furniture. Nonetheless, significant differences existed between the two categories in adherence to the government guidelines in provision of water and sanitary and play facilities. The study recommended that the MoE infrastructure fund should be extended to ECE centres.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes on contributors
Dr. Emmily M. Sitati holds a Ph.D. degree in education management and policy studies from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya, and a masters of education degree in education management and planning. She has wide experience in research, quality assurance and curriculum. Dr Sitati is currently a standards and curriculum development officer with the Council of Legal Education. Previously, she worked as a quality assurance and standards officer with the Ministry of Education and a high school teacher in Kenya. She has published in refereed journal articles in education management and early childhood education.
Prof. Mwangi Ndirangu is a Professor of educational communication and technology and a head of the Department of External Studies and Media, Egerton University, Kenya. Prof Mwangi has published widely in the area of ICT, curriculum, education, communication and technology, special needs education, science education and entrepreneurship, among other areas. He chairs the Association of Third World Studies and is a member of OSSREA, FEDWS and Guardian Higher Education network. He is a strong Christian and a family man.
Dr. Bota Kennedy is a senior lecturer and chairman of the Department of Education Psychology, Masinde Muliro University, Kenya. He has published and presented research papers in the field of special needs education, inclusive education, early childhood education, transition in education and lifelong learning, among others. Dr Botahas is a strong Christian and a family man.
Mr. George S. Rapongo is a high school principal currently taking a Ph.D. degree in philosophy and religious studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya. He has been involved in community work under the church programme labelled children ministry. Rapong’o is currently documenting the Wanga (a sub tribe of the Luhyacommunity in Kenya) history. He is a strong believer in empowering children and a family man.