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{
    "id": 1050314,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1050314/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 206,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Zani",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13119,
        "legal_name": "Agnes Zani",
        "slug": "agnes-zani"
    },
    "content": "The ECDE is a devolved function to the counties. On the other hand, we have the Basic Education Act No.14 of 2014. After the Committee on Education had gone to the various counties to see how the setting up of these ECE centres was being done, we felt there was a need to understand how they were being embraced. This is because some of these centres were stand-alone in both private and public schools. For example, some of them were within schools that already had primary section. Madam Deputy Speaker, it was very exciting to hear, for example, some of the head teachers say that some of the children who had gone through ECE centres conceptualized as per the Bill were so intended and they did not want to go to standard one. How did we conceptualize ECDE? We conceptualized that this is really the begging of a child’s education so that he or she gets the best foundation. The Early Childhood Education Bill at that time as it was put forward conceptualized, for example, the best classroom model. That is where a child would have toys and a desk that is commensurate with their height and they can sit comfortably. That is where they could have playing equipment, material and swings; not forgetting also children who are PwDs. Madam Deputy Speaker, I remember in that Committee on Education which I happened to be a Member in the 2013 to 2017 Senate, went round to see what was happening and we enriched the Bill. At that time Sen. Karaba was the Chairperson of the Committee. Unfortunately just towards the end of 2017 when this Bill would have been enacted, our time was up. Therefore, we started again the process in 2017 moving on to now 2021. Madam Deputy Speaker, I would really like to congratulate Sen. (Dr.) Langat who was the Chairperson at that moment when this Bill was coming up. Also, more intently Sen. (Dr.) Milgo, the Chairperson of the Committee on Education, who has pushed and made this dream a reality. When we got to the point where we were almost coming to do the mediation, we were a little bit worried because we did not know what would happen. We wondered whether all of us would be able to conceptualize and come up with a version of the Bill that will be agreeable. What really would happen in terms of the process and also the time that it takes from one process to another. Madam Deputy Speaker, finally, it happened and the Senate was represented by five Members. I will not repeat because I heard Sen. Omogeni mention them. However, I want to acknowledge our Members from the National Assembly who were part and parcel of this process. They were very dedicated. This is one of the Bills that towards the end was mediated at Christmas time on Zoom. The first time we met we elected the leaders of the Committee. In the second meeting, we realized it was very difficult to mediate on some specific clauses through a Zoom meeting because they really needed a lot of insight. So, we agreed and were able to meet at County Hall. We had an extensive discussion. Madam Deputy Speaker, there were two specific clauses, especially the one on spiritual and the role of the director or the owner of the school would have in spiritual guidance. That became problematic and Members said no and we had to seek legal 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."
}