Abstract:
This paper scrutinises the effects of human resource capacity to implementation of
Early Childhood Development and Education policy. The study was based on the
Contextual Implementation Theory (CIT) whose proponent is Toole. The study used a
mixed research design grounded within the pragmatism philosophical paradigm. The
study population comprised of the QASOs, the Head teachers, ECDE teachers and the
non-teaching staff in respective ECDCs. The sample size of the study comprised of 9
QUASOs, 27 head teachers, 81 teachers of ECDE and 27 non-teaching staff from
selected public primary schools. The study utilised simple random sampling, stratified
sampling and purposive sampling in choosing its study sample. The tools for data
collection comprised of the questionnaire for head teachers, non-teaching staff and
QASOs, focussed group interview schedule for the ECDE teachers, and the
observation schedules. The study established that ECDCs in Bungoma County had
sufficient, qualified, and trained ECDE teachers and head teachers had good
leadership skills, however there were not enough non-teaching staff. Further, it was
established that head teachers monitored the activities at the ECDCs closely leading to
improved teaching and enrolment. QASOs have increased their visits at the centres
although it was established that they did not cover all the required areas of supervision.
The study concludes that there are a number of factors affecting the implementation
of the ECDE policy in Bungoma County; human resource capacity being one of them.
The study recommends: QASOs should be facilitated to cover vast areas with ease
and increase the number of visits to the ECDCs. The government should train
non-teaching staff on safety operations and above all hire a qualified nurse for every
ECDE centre. Refresher courses on leadership and management should be organised
to enhance the leadership skills that the head teachers have. Finally, teachers should
be well remunerated to enhance their ability to effectively handle the high
pupil-teacher ratio situation and be able to offer quality services.