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{
    "id": 1522656,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1522656/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 100,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Suna West, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Peter Masara",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research regarding capitation to schools, textbook ratio to pupils, and the state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) programmes. Hon. Speaker, the country has made remarkable strides in expanding access to education through initiatives such as free primary and secondary education, significantly boosting the enrolment rates and reducing the educational disparities. However, while access to education is essential, the quality of education must also be prioritised so as to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive and dynamic environment. Unfortunately, the current Government capitation grants for primary and secondary schools are insufficient to address the rising operational costs driven by inflation and the high cost of living. These financial strains leave schools struggling to provide essential resources, ultimately compromising the quality of education. In addition, there is a need to ensure that the framework for textbook distribution in public schools under the free basic education system is designed to boost the quality of education provided. Hon. Speaker, pre-primary education is crucial for early character development and cognitive preparedness of a child. Article 186 of the Constitution devolves ECDE to county government leaving each county to regulate its own ECDE programmes. Consequently, ECDE programmes in some counties have faced significant challenges, including lack of investment by counties, resulting to disparities with regard to poor facilities and underpaid teachers, hindering quality of education and resources available to learners and teachers. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research on the following: 1. Plans, if any, by the Ministry of Education to increase capitation for both primary and secondary schools to cushion schools against the high cost of living and inflation. 2. A report on the ratio of textbooks to pupils in the country, the criteria used by the Ministry to determine the ratio of textbook distribution and measures taken to ensure an equitable ratio countrywide. 3. A comprehensive assessment of implementation of ECDE programmes under the county governments, including steps taken to collaborate to ensure standardisation for smooth and effective transition of children from ECDE to primary school education. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}