Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1048546,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1048546/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 202,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Shiyonga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13181,
        "legal_name": "Masitsa Naomi Shiyonga",
        "slug": "masitsa-naomi-shiyonga"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to support the Motion by Sen. (Dr.) Milgo on counties having at least 10 per cent of their budget allocated to ECDE. There is so much that is happening in our education sector. Currently, we are reviewing the 8-4-4 curriculum and embracing CBC. If we do not consider revenue allocation to support these changes, then we might not achieve much as country. These changes will affect children in ECDE centres. ECDE is a devolved function. To identify those children, you need to go to the grassroots. It is easy for administrators in county governments to identify them and ensure they are in equipped institutions. A lot happens to children when they are growing up. They need attention both in school and at home. Globally, people have become very busy even for their own families. Where and whom we leave our children with matters a lot. Allocation of funds just to make standardized policies that cut across counties is important. Our counties are still going through a transition period. Therefore, we need to have institutions that have standardized policies to take care of our children. As Sen. (Dr.) Milgo said, we can only achieve this through legislation Not all children in this country access ECDE. As my colleague has said, few children in Turkana County, and even where you come from, Madam Temporary Speaker, access ECDE. Access to ECDE for children in Nairobi City County and other urban areas is different compared to those in rural areas. Standardized policies will make it easy for all our children in the country to access ECDE. Madam Temporary Speaker, counties misappropriate their resources. If we ask them to allocate 10 per cent of their budget to ECDE, we will help our children access ECDE. Counties have different priorities. However, if we develop a Bill from this Motion, then it will be mandatory for all counties to prioritize ECDE. To me, 10 per cent of the budget of a county is a lot of money. We need reputable ECDE institutions that will take care of our children. Lastly, ECDE teachers are paid by the county governments. However, their salaries are always delayed. What we talk here is quite different from what is experienced at the county level. Yes, counties get funding late, but they have problems paying these teachers. However, if we do not pay them well and on time, how do we expect them to take care of our children? We also need to provide them with proper infrastructure, so that they can nurture and take care of our children. That is why many parents with deep pockets take their children to private schools. However, parents in the rural areas cannot afford to take their children to private schools. We saw this economic imbalance with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Many parents suffered with their children in the house. What if this child then goes to that institution that is not well funded; he will continue suffering. I thank Sen. (Dr.) Milgo for this Motion. It is my prayer that she will come up with the Bill, so that we enact policies and make sure counties allocate 10 per cent of The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}