EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (ECD): EDUCATION DISPARITIES IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES : (THE CASE OF RURAL AND URBAN KENYA.)

Abstract

The future multi-dimensional development of this country Kenya, lies in the Early Childhood Development Programmes put into practice today. This paper provides the importance of investing in the foundation of Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a tool to the future political, social and economic development. With 80% of Kenyan population living in rural parts and only 20% living in urban Kenya (Ministry of Finance and Planning, (2002).) The paper will outline major issues of disparity existing in the provision of Early Childhood Development (ECD) opportunities. It should be noted that most Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes like children’s homes, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, well equipped nursery schools and kindergartens along with highly qualified teachers are concentrated in Urban areas to cater for the 20% of the population of Kenyans residing there. The paper argues that with the majority of Kenyans living in rural Kenya where poverty has hit hard, the disparities need to be addressed. The paper holds that fairness needs to be applied. Finally, the paper offers recommendations and intends to discuss the solutions to the existing disparities in Early Childhood Development (ECD) The implementation of the above solutions will be a landmark achievement in laying the foundation of the future Kenyan society and generation.