A group of university professors from across Kenya has petitioned the Ministry of Education over a directive that ends stand-alone diplomas in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE).
The lecturers say the move was rushed, lacks consultation, and puts hundreds of students, parents, and teachers at risk.
The dispute follows a circular issued on January 19, 2026, by the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Professor Julius Bitok.
Bitok Faces Backlash
The circular announces the merger of the Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education and the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education into a single programme, the Diploma in Teacher Education for Pre-Primary and Primary.
The directive immediately discontinued the ECDE diploma, even for students who were already admitted and actively studying in colleges.
According to the lecturers’ caucus, some students were admitted as recently as August 2025 and were already deep into their coursework when the circular took effect.
The professors, who say they represent about 500 educators involved in ECDE teacher training, argue that such a major change should not be implemented abruptly.
They insist that education reforms require a clear transition period of at least five years to protect learners and institutions already in the system.
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They warn that the sudden decision has created uncertainty for students and parents who invested time and money in the ECDE diploma.
Lecturers also questioned what guidance they are expected to give students whose courses have been discontinued midstream.
Dispute Over ECDE and Primary Education
At the centre of the dispute is the difference between early childhood education and primary education.
The lecturers say the two levels require different training approaches and should not be merged into a single programme.
They argue that ECDE focuses on child development, emotional control, relationships, self-regulation, and early social skills, while primary education focuses on academic subjects such as mathematics, English, and science.
According to the educators, combining the two training paths risks weakening the quality of early childhood education, which they say is based on a specific science of child development.
They note that Kenya has made steady progress in ECDE over the years, and warn that unplanned changes could reverse these gains.
The controversy has also drawn in county governments.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Governors, Erick Mutai, the Governor of Kericho, said ECDE is a devolved function under the Constitution, managed by counties.
He said county governments were not consulted before the circular was issued.
“This circular is being issued when there are trainers in classrooms. What then happens to those who we are training. What then happens to those we have employed, yet we already have them in our system? How will it affect the payrolls as we moved forward?” Governor Mutai asked during the meeting.
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The governor warned that the move could be challenged in court, arguing that it risks shifting ECDE back to the national government.
Bitok Stands Firm
In response, Professor Julius Bitok said the ministry is implementing a presidential directive based on recommendations made by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.
He said the ECDE diploma was abolished in 2023 and accused some privately owned colleges of continuing to offer the course fraudulently.
The standoff now leaves students, educators, and county governments waiting for clarity on the future of early childhood teacher training in Kenya.
Some colleges have also invested in specialised ECDE teaching materials, trainers, and facilities, raising concerns about financial losses if the programme is permanently discontinued.
Education stakeholders are now calling for structured dialogue between the national government, counties, universities, and teacher training institutions.
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